Play it Forward Orchestra
Student-Driven Music Learning and Performance
Accepting Applications Starting January, 29th
Application Deadline February, 5th
This program is free for recipients
The 2024 program runs on Sundays, 2:30-4:30pm, February 18th-May 5th at Philly Music Factory (2100 Chestnut St, 2nd Fl). The final performance is on May 5th.
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Mission
Philly Music Factory's Play It Forward Orchestra's mission is to bring together a diverse group of Philadelphia youth representing different neighborhoods, experience levels and ages to learn and perform music together.
Core Principles:
Service
Collaboration
Leadership
Compassion
Respect
Collective Joy
Program Description
The Play It Forward Orchestra is a mixed instrumental ensemble of two participation levels, mentees and mentors. The mentee cohort comprises students with fewer years of experience and less access to lesson and performance opportunities either due to financial or other barriers. The mentor cohort are students with a strong command of their instrument and experience with ensemble playing. Via the guidance of the orchestra's teaching artists facilitators, both cohorts are provided a platform that supports relationship building, peer to peer learning and fun through music. Play It Forward participants work together to reach the goal of presenting a concert that features classic and current popular hits.
Teaching Artist:
Dani Gershkoff
Danielle Gershkoff is a performer, flautist and singer-songwriter based in Philadelphia and has been an active member of the music community for over a decade. With a background in poetry and creative writing, her compositions combine storytelling and collage, and draw from her roots in folk music and R&B. Dani has performed at music festivals such as South X Southwest, Firefly, XPoNential Music Festival, and has opened for legendary acts such as Questlove and Talib Kweli. Her most notable work is as a flautist and vocalist in the 9-piece hip hop collective Hardwork Movement®. She has studied classical and jazz flute under the tutelage of Chris Farr at the University of the Arts, Mimi Stillman and Mark Allen at Temple University, and Hadar Noiberg out of New York City. Her newest musical project, Dani & Joe, is a collaboration with drummer/songwriter Joe Perullo and their first single, “All For You,” is now out on all streaming platforms. As an educator, Dani is passionate about giving people of all ages the tools for self-expression and collaboration.
How To Join
The 2024 program runs on Sundays, 2:30-4:30pm, February 18th-May 5th at Philly Music Factory (2100 Chestnut St, 2nd Fl). The final performance is on May 5th.
Play It Forward is accepting 8 mentees and 4 mentors for the February 18th-May 5th session.
Interested families should complete an application form. Additional follow up may be required, which may include a call, zoom audition, video submission and/or in person meeting.
Read below for more information on how to apply.
Instrumentalists and Vocalists are Welcome to Apply
Play It Forward welcomes a variety of musicians to apply. The orchestra is certainly seeking rhythm section players as well as classical instrumentalists.
For Mentee Cohort
Eligible mentees must be within 4th and 8th grade and have at least 2 years of music experience that includes sight reading. Mentees should have passion for learning music and self-motivation for independent practice. Mentees should demonstrate a desire for more music learning and performance exposure. It is important that mentees are interested in meeting new people, making new friends, taking instruction and participating constructively.
Since there are limited spots available, not all applicants will be accepted. Nevertheless, we encourage you to apply. If you are not selected for this Play It Forward session, we would like to know your interests and have your contact so that we can consider you for other opportunities.
Click to Apply for the Mentee Cohort
For Mentor Cohort
Eligible mentors must be within 7th and 12th grade with a minimum of five years in music. Mentors must have strong competency with their instrument and sight reading. Mentors must demonstrate a passion for learning and collaboration. Along with skills and passion for music, Mentors are expected to be strong communicators, compassionate, thoughtful and sincere. Along with completing an application, mentors should be prepared to participate in interviews and submit playing samples.
Since there are limited spots available, not all applicants will be accepted. Nevertheless, we encourage you to apply. If you are not selected for this Play It Forward session, we would like to know your interests and have your contact so that we can consider you for other opportunities
Click to Apply for the Mentor Cohort
Questions
Please contact Philly Music Factory's program director, Vince Johnson, with questions.
