This April 2026, approximately 20 of our Project STEP students will embark on an unforgettable journey: their very first tour—to New York City! This milestone trip will give our students the rare opportunity to connect with peers from the Opportunity Music Project in NYC, collaborating in rehearsals and culminating in a joint concert performance that celebrates both musical excellence and the power of community.
But this tour is much more than just a performance—it’s a life-changing educational and cultural experience.
For many of our students, this will be their first time traveling out of state as part of a musical ensemble. Touring opens doors that cannot be replicated in a classroom: it teaches independence, builds confidence, and allows young musicians to understand what it means to share their art on a broader stage. They’ll learn how to adapt to new environments, work intensively with new collaborators, and rise to the challenge of performing in unfamiliar venues.
In New York City, our students will:
Experiences like these are essential in shaping the next generation of artists, leaders, and cultural ambassadors. For our students—who come from underrepresented communities in classical music—this tour is not only a celebration of how far they’ve come, but a powerful motivator for where they can go.
We need your support to make this tour possible. Your contribution will help cover the costs of travel, lodging, meals, and access to enriching activities that will inspire and empower these talented young musicians.
Invest in the future of music. Invest in our students.
Above Photo by Matthew Muise
