Outreach Programs

Project Harmony

By engaging children in orchestra programs that foster skill development, self-confidence, and personal empowerment, Project Harmony creates social transformation through music.

Program Description

Project Harmony is a community-based orchestra outreach program for students Grades 2-5 inspired by the El Sistema youth and community development program of Venezuela. Since 2017, Arts+ and the Charlotte Symphony (CSO) have partnered to offer the program to build pathways to success for Charlotte-area youth through music.

With classes held twice a week, participants form a community around music-making, learning from professional teachers and collegiate music interns and forming mentor/mentee relationships within the group. All students who participate are provided with instruments free of charge. Project Harmony currently serves more than 150 students from more than 35 different schools in four low-income neighborhoods across Charlotte: Winterfield, Montclaire South, West Charlotte, and West Sugar Creek.


Project Harmony Participants can expect:

  • Two core classes on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday
  • Group instrumental time on both days divided by ability level
  • Music FUNdamentals on the first day
  • Special topics on the second day
  • One small group lesson each week
  • Opportunities for special interest sessions, virtual social opportunities, and other optional activities over Zoom


Rehearsal Schedules by Location:

  • West Sugar Creek
    Schedule: Mondays + Wednesdays | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
  • Winterfield
    Schedule: Mondays + Wednesdays | 4:45 - 6:15 p.m.
  • Montclaire
    Schedule: Tuesdays + Thursdays | 3:45 - 5:15 p.m.
  • West Blvd
    Schedule: Tuesdays + Thursday | 4:15 - 5:45 p.m.


Enrollment is open year-round!
Eligible students are invited to register now for classes starting on Oct. 12 (Registration link will take you to the CSO website.)

Sponsors

Arts+ is grateful for these partners that make Project Harmony possible:

  • Charlotte Symphony
  • D’Addario Foundation
  • Brungard Family Foundation