The Cape Symphony’s Instrument Access Program (IAP) is a new initiative that aims to remove financial barriers and promote equal opportunity for young, aspiring musicians on Cape Cod. We accomplish this by purchasing and providing access to professional-quality instruments to members of our Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra Program (CSYOP) and by partnering with schools to identify students who would benefit from instruments, instrument upgrades, private instruction, and participation in CSYOP. Whether it’s providing access to costly percussion equipment for a member of our Youth Orchestra or loaning out a violin for a beginner to learn on, we believe that the Instrument Access Program has the potential to change students’ lives.
Access Partnerships
In collaboration with our School Access Partners, students receive the opportunity to thrive in their musical pursuits, regardless of their financial background. All participants are provided with an instrument (or instrument upgrade, if necessary), two semesters of private lessons with Cape Symphony Teaching Artists, and invited to audition for a Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra Program ensemble (which welcomes all levels of ability).
IAP ran a successful pilot of the Access Partnership Program at Barnstable Intermediate School in the Spring of 2023. Five 7th grade students were selected by their school music teacher, Valerie Bahr, to take part in this new program. Each student was offered the option to borrow an instrument from our library, enrolled in private lessons, and accepted as members of the CSYO Program performing with Debut Strings.
Thanks to the generous contributions of donors and community partners, this partnership with BIS will expand to reach more students and run for the full school year in the 2023|24 season.
IAP is not only an investment in the lives of young musicians but also a commitment to building a vibrant and diverse musical community on Cape Cod. Join us in empowering the next generation of musicians by supporting the Instrument Access Program!
Schools interested in joining our Access Partnership Program in the future should contact:
Kyle Spraker
Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra Program Director
