The project is a collaborative mentoring program between the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO) and the Charleston County School District. The project will engage high school graduating Youth Symphony members with students from a Title 1 elementary school in a structured interactive program of music and mentoring. The program will provide an opportunity for CSYO members to share their passion and commitment for music with elementary students in hopes of fostering an appreciation and desire for music education. In addition, the unique nature of the monthly experiences and interactions between the mentors and mentees will hopefully result in a level of mutual engagement and understanding that facilitates a foundation of diversity awareness and impact, for all the participants.

The program will consist of a series of afterschool interactions at the mentees’ home school that include group and individual mentor/mentee engagement opportunities structured around musical experiences and education. In addition, the program will feature attendance at a CSYO concert by mentees where they will see their mentors perform and be provided a backstage tour. The final program element will be a public concert featuring input and participation by both the mentors and mentees. These series of exposure and engagement opportunities will encourage the personal growth and awareness of both the mentors and the mentees.