Find Your Instrument
MISSION: To spark discovery of vocal music-making in young students by developing sustainable, joyous, and accessible choral music education programs in partnership with schools
‘Find Your Instrument’ (FYI) is a partnership between Philadelphia Youth Choral ensembles and schools in the Philadelphia area. Founded over a decade ago with the intention of addressing gaps in access to music education, FYI primarily works with music teachers in Philly-area schools who want to create choral music programs at their schools but lack funding, resources, or training. This partnership provides professional development, program management, curricular resources, funding, and performance opportunities to teachers and students in those schools, elevating and amplifying access to vocal music-making across the city.
Our Partner Schools & Teachers:
- Emlen Elementary – Ruthanne Parker
- Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School* – Victoria Horne and Paul Stelben
- Cyber Bilingual Charter School* – Victoria Horne and Paul Stelben
- Antonio Pantoja Charter School* – Victoria Horne and Paul Stelben
- Henry H Houston Elementary – Helen Hoskins
- William McKinley Elementary – Ronald Clay
* rehearses jointly as Gozo Latino Choir
Are you a music teacher looking to start a choir in your school? Here’s how to partner with us!
How it Works:
- PYCE partners with K-8 music teachers who are looking to grow their choral music teaching skills and provide singing experiences for their students
- Teachers lead weekly after-school choirs at their schools and receive support and funding from PYCE
- Choirs participate in school/community-based performances each semester, as well as select joint performances with PYCE and an annual FYI Showcase
What You Get:
- Hourly pay to lead an after-school choir at your school
- Mentorship and observation by artistic and program staff at PYCE
- Curricular resources, sheet music, folders, song suggestions, and videos/recordings of repertoire
- Performance opportunities with PYCE and other FYI participants
- Program assistance with coordinating performances, classroom management, materials, and scheduling
Eligibility:
In order to be eligible, partners should:
- Be a K-8 General Music teacher at a Philadelphia-area school
- Have need for financial support for an after-school music program, OR need further training in choral music
- Have a useable rehearsal space
- Have school buy-in and/or demonstrable demand for an after-school choral program
