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FOCUS (KINDERGARTEN)
FOCUS on the Boston Schools
An Educational Program offered by Project STEP, Inc.
(String Training and Education Program)
The FOCUS program
 FOCUS aims to introduce Black and Latino students to the study of music at an early age. Students who enroll in FOCUS are 5 years old and in Grade K2 at school. The program provides high-quality beginning music instruction combined with demonstrations of many types of music and instruments. For all students, FOCUS enriches the music program in their schools. For many students, this head-start training will encourage them to pursue the study of a musical instrument.
Eligibility
Black and Latino kindergarten students that are 5 years old in the Boston public and parochial schools, and in the greater Boston area schools, can apply for admission to FOCUS.
FOCUS I
FOCUS I is a 15-week introductory course on the fundamentals of music that takes place on Saturdays at the New England Conservatory of Music. Students take weekly hour-long classes in the fundamentals of music including melody, rhythm and pitch. Additionally, there will be guest performances that showcase classical and jazz performers demonstrating different instruments including strings, woodwinds, brass, and piano, among others.
Students are expected to be on time and attend every class. Also, students must practice their assignments every day at home between classes.
At the end of FOCUS I, all students will perform for family and friends at a recital in May. After successfully completing the course, students will be given referral information to a variety of Boston-area music schools. A small number of students interested in playing classical stringed instruments and demonstrating potential on the violin will be invited to FOCUS II, a seven-week summer session of group violin lessons.
Cost
FOCUS is offered by Project STEP at no cost to the participants except for a $35 registration fee for each session (FOCUS I and II). Project STEP is a non-profit organization funded by generous nationwide corporate, foundation, government, and individual support All instruments and materials used in class are provided for the students.
Click here to download the 2010 FOCUS application. Please return the application and $35 registration fee before January 11, 2010.
FOCUS II
FOCUS II is designed to provide early instrumental training for children interested in playing classical stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass). The course consists of seven weeks of twice-weekly group violin lessons. Approximately 20 students from FOCUS I will be selected for FOCUS II: the criteria is based primarily on the child's talent and her or his ability to focus. Enthusiasm, attendance, dedication, and parent participation during FOCUS I are also factors that are considered during the selection process.
Students who complete FOCUS II will be given contact information for Boston-area music schools to continue studying a stringed instrument if they are interested. In exceptional cases, a student may be invited to apply for admission to the Project STEP program to continue his/her training.
About Project STEP
Project STEP is a non-profit organization devoted to preparing exceptionally talented students of color for careers as string players in the classical music profession. The program was developed to address the historic lack of representation of people of color, especially African-American, Latino and Native American musicians in classical music.
Why does Project STEP offer the FOCUS program?
We believe that the study of music is an enriching, enjoyable and meaningful activity in a child's life, and as such music improves the quality of life. The FOCUS program provides early access to musical training, exposing students to different types of music and instruments. The FOCUS program hopes to generate enthusiasm for music, and to be a link between students and Boston-area music schools, enabling those who are interested to pursue musical study.
If you have any questions about the FOCUS program or Project STEP, please contact the STEP office at 617-267-5777 or email info@projectstep.org.
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