Our Story

UpBeat NYC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that uses the pursuit of musical excellence and ensemble performance to bring about positive change in the lives of South Bronx children. An “El Sistema” inspired program, UpBeat NYC seeks to address the social and cultural isolation of South Bronx children through year-round, immersive musical training and performing experience. UpBeat was established in 2009 and currently serves over 100 children and youth through its orchestra and early childhood after school music programs. All programming is offered free of charge.

UpBeat Basics:
• All classes, lessons and instruments are provided free of charge
• UpBeat welcomes individuals of all abilities and experience; we believe everyone is innately musical
• All students attend lessons multiple times per week on a year-round basis
• Musicians with a passion for teaching nurture and guide students on an instrument of their choice
• All students learn to read and write music
• All participants perform frequently in small and large ensembles
• UpBeat's music education philosophy emphasizes passion first, refinement second

UpBeat NYC is dedicated to the betterment of South Bronx children’s lives through transformative musical experience. We believe that there is no more effective investment in a community’s present and future than the cultivation of its children’s well-being and happiness and that music has a unique role to play in developing children as powerful agents of their community’s improvement. UpBeat’s priority is to enable children to realize and act on their ability to shape their own lives and contribute to the vibrancy of their family and community. There is an opportunity in the South Bronx to facilitate a collaboration of families and musicians with the aim of elevating local children and in turn the entire community through artistic achievement.

What We Need

Through years of hard work, UpBeat’s success has been built by passionate volunteer musicians and families who believe no obstacle should stand in the way of a child’s musical experience and education. We started this work with no funding and will continue it regardless of our future fundraising results. That said, the number of students we reach and the quality of experience we are able to provide them is very dependent on the financial support we secure. Below are a few of the things that your contributions will support and that will help take this program to the next level.

Special Workshops

This fall we were able to hold several workshops with master teachers in which students made great leaps forward.  After one such workshop on a recent Saturday morning, one student told us, “That was so great! We should do this every week!” We would love to offer more special events and workshops to our participants and your contribution can make that happen!

Transportation

Being in one of the great musical cities of the world, there are lots of opportunities for our kids to be exposed to great music and musical events. But because there are so many of us and such limited resources, the cost of travel often keeps us home. Even subway trips to places like Carnegie Hall, which invites us to free concerts, are at times impossible for many of our kids due to their family’s tight budgets. Workshops like our planned collaboration with the Corona Youth Music Project in Queens will not be possible without funding to charter a bus.

Instruments

An orchestral music program is impossible without instruments – lots of instruments. This can be a very significant cost. Fortunately, UpBeat has received thousands of dollars worth of instruments from generous New Yorkers seeking a worthy home for there violin, cello, clarinet, etc. But these donations do not always keep up with our needs, and we are often in the position of having to purchase used instruments. Maintenance and repairs also present ongoing costs that add up to significant amounts over the course of a year.

Expert Teachers

The teachers we hire to work with our youngest violinists (ages 5-8) are highly trained specialists who meticulously coach their students in correct posture and technique, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy playing habits. At the same time, they are instilling in them the joy of music making and the values of teamwork and musical excellence.  These carefully prepared students will go on to form the backbone of the UpBeat NYC Youth Orchestra as they move forward in their studies.

Contributions will also support the ongoing efforts to build our volunteer base, handle instrument donations, manage student recruitment and strengthen parent involvement/communications.

Please over-fund this campaign!

We will be thrilled to reach our goal of $10,000. Every dollar above that amount will help us reach even more of the countless children eager to begin their musical journey.

Other Ways You Can Help

Spread the word!  Please tell everyone and anyone about this project.  Every bit helps! 

Email it, Tweet it, share it and like it on Facebook!

Thank you all so much!

Liza and Rich

http://www.upbeatnyc.org/