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Celebration: Focusing on Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging
“I enjoyed my time in the PMAY program. Overall, I’m thankful that they helped introduce me to my teacher because she helped me grow my confidence and always brought something new to the table.” — Gevon Goddard, cello, PYO ‘20
PYO Music Institute has long served a diverse student and family population. Our commitment to and support for diversity and inclusion has been implicit throughout our history. As we progress the organization, we recognize that this implicit commitment needs to be made more explicit. We also aim to further foster equity and a strong sense of welcome and belonging. We are taking many concrete steps toward these ends.
Impact of PMAY Artist’s Initiative
Through the Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth (PMAY) Artist’s Initiative, funded in part by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, PYO Music Institute supports students from under-represented and low-income communities. We provide students with financial resources and mentorship program division.
in their journey towards college or conservatory. In the 2019-2020 season, 35 PMAY Artists participated in our ensembles, and eight matriculated to schools such as Temple University, Peabody Conservatory, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Colburn Conservatory.
PYO Music Institute Joins ACCESS Philly
In the 2019-2020 season, tickets to all concerts offered by the PYO Music Institute became available to Pennsylvania ACCESS card holders for $2. ACCESS Philly, a city-wide initiative led by Art-Reach, empowers individuals and families who come from a low-income household, or those with disabilities, to engage with arts and culture in the Greater Philadelphia region at a rate they can afford. access, both for our students and audiences.
New Board of Trustees Committee on Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB)
The PYO Music Institute Board of Trustees has established a new committee to examine and improve the Institute’s current policies, practices, and programs related to DIEB.
Commitment to Diverse Repertoire
As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion and our work to use music as a vehicle for social change, beginning in the 2020-21 season, we will program repertoire by diverse composers for every ensemble and Thank you for sustaining us in our mission to expand
“PMAY was a great help to me and my musical future. I liked having a lot of opportunities to perform, and the masterclasses offered were insightful experiences. — Gabriel Gaw, bass, PYO ‘19
