PACO Outreach

Below are a list of projects that were awarded to PACO students.

2023-2024 Winners

Project: Instrument showcase and performance for kids

The goal of this project is to provide an interactive guide to different instruments to foster the next generation of musicians and music-lovers through an instrument showcase, demonstration and performance.

The event would feature one of each string instrument, wind instrument, brass instrument, and select percussion instruments. It would start with a short ensemble performance at the beginning, then an introduction of each instrument and a brief excerpt played on each one to showcase the instrument’s sound, range, and capabilities. After the performance, kids would have the opportunity to ask the musicians questions about their instruments and experiences, and touch and try out the instruments.

Funding would be used to cover the cost of instrument rentals and to compensate musicians playing during the event. The shops would provide demonstration instruments for the kids to try out under supervision. If possible, will aim to partner with music shops to offer instrument rental trials for interested kids. After the trial, the kids could decide if they want to continue with the instrument.

Any extra funds or donations made during the event would go to the Save the Music Foundation (https://www.savethemusic.org/), which aims to enrich music education to students around the nation by providing support to music educators and donating instruments.

Project: Benefit concerts to bring music to children in China

This project was designed to organize a benefit concert in Beijing. The aspiration was to introduce music to more people and to use the proceeds to support students in rural China who lack access to private teachers and instruments to learn music.

Project: Smile-Benefit Concert for the Life Moves Shelter Kids

This project is about raising funds and awareness to support the growing homeless youth community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Music has the power to bring people together and uplift those in need. This project is about organizing concerts which feature performances by PACO students and guest artists. All proceeds from donations and funds raised will go directly to Life Moves, which has decades of experience addressing homelessness in the Bay Area.

2024-2025 Winners

Project: Instrument showcase and performance for kids

The goal of this project is to provide an interactive guide to different instruments to foster the next generation of musicians and music-lovers through an instrument showcase, demonstration and performance.

The event would feature one of each string instrument, wind instrument, brass instrument, and select percussion instruments. It would start with a short ensemble performance at the beginning, then an introduction of each instrument and a brief excerpt played on each one to showcase the instrument’s sound, range, and capabilities. After the performance, kids would have the opportunity to ask the musicians questions about their instruments and experiences, and touch and try out the instruments.

Funding would be used to cover the cost of instrument rentals and to compensate musicians playing during the event. The shops would provide demonstration instruments for the kids to try out under supervision. If possible, will aim to partner with music shops to offer instrument rental trials for interested kids. After the trial, the kids could decide if they want to continue with the instrument.

Any extra funds or donations made during the event would go to the Save the Music Foundation (https://www.savethemusic.org/), which aims to enrich music education to students around the nation by providing support to music educators and donating instruments.

Project: Benefit Concerts for the unhoused

This project aims to share the gift of chamber music with others, especially those who might not have access to it.

The goal is to play ensemble pieces at a homeless shelter once a month while dinner is being served. Music can make people feel peace, joy, and hope. This project aims to share a love of chamber music, bring joy, and remind people that they matter. The project will use the funding to purchase music, pay for coaches and buy refreshments and supplies for each concert.

Project: Bring string instruments and music lessons to underprivileged children

Following PACO’s philosophy of playing well with others, sharing music, and giving back to the community, this project aims to bring music to underserved communities by providing free private music lessons to young students. The primary goals of lessons are to build confidence and inspire a love of music.

To find students who would enjoy and benefit from free local lessons, this project will focus on the Ravenswood School District elementary schools. The first goal will be to collaborate with the schools to identify students and find a location where lessons can be taught. The project will expand to invite other PACO members who are interested in giving music lessons to help give back to the community.

The scholarship will go directly toward purchasing or renting instruments and other necessities like music books. This will ensure that finding an instrument will not be a barrier for students interested in this program. It will also allow students to have their own instrument at home.

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