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MYS
FEATURED ALUM
alumniCaroline Pierce in Montecatini, Italy 2005 Tour.

Caroline played the oboe in the concert orchestra and symphonic band from 2003 to 2006.
"The nation's top business executives agree that arts education programs can help repair weaknesses in American education and better prepare workers for the 21st century."
The Changing Workplace is Changing Our View of Education; Business Week, October 1996
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"Students who report consistently high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12."
U.S. Dept. of Education, National Education Longitudinal Survey
"Students with coursework/experience in music performance and music appreciation scored higher on the SAT... than did students with no arts participation."
The College Entrance Examination Board, 2001

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING ARTS EDUCATION

Study after study proves the significant contribution of arts education (and music instruction specifically) to increased academic achievement in the areas of science, mathematics, social studies, language arts, and the development of general cognitive skills, self-expression and fluency. Arts education is vital to improving our community by creating better students, innovators, problem-solvers, collaborators, and lifelong learners who will guide and lead the future generations.

outreach concert audience with MYS MYS student clarinetists


"Students of music continue to outperform their nonarts peers on the SAT... In 2006, SAT takers with coursework/experience in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 43 points higher on the math portion than students with no coursework or experience in the arts." - The College Board, Profile of College-Bound Seniors National Report for 2006

The Importance of Supporting MYS

Tuition covers only half of the cost of educating our young musicians. Your support not only assists MYS in increasing its own capacity to enrich the lives of students through participation in music programs, but also makes MYS an even greater resource within the education community for continuing music education at all levels.

  • Our programs serve over 500 students annually, ranging in age from 5 to 22 years old, through our 12 ensembles.
  • With four levels of orchestra and three levels of band, we are able to place all young musicians who apply to our program in an ensemble that is appropriate for their level of musical accomplishment.
  • Through our Scholarship and Tuition Assistance Programs, we ensure that no young musician is turned away because of their family’s financial situation.
  • Our School Outreach Program brings our ensembles into Portland metropolitan area schools with music assemblies, introducing youngsters to classical music in a fun and accessible manner. Last year MYS reached over 4,200 school children through our outreach efforts.
  • Our concerts provide a family friendly and affordable opportunity for families to attend a classical concert. Last year MYS served a total audience of over 11,000.
  • We strive to create a fun and friendly atmosphere where students can proceed at their own pace while encouraging excellence and accomplishment in music.

"My transition from high school to college has not been the shock that many students experience. Traveling with MYS to Europe was a wonderful preparation for playing in India; in fact, MYS has prepared me for everything I’ve experienced this term." - 2007 MYS Eleanor S. Peyton Scholarship Award Winner

For questions, or to donate by phone, contact:
Susan Norton, Development Manager
503.517.0686 or email

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Why MYS? View "THE MYS STORY"
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