Bringing music into under-resourced schools
Find Your Instrument (FYI) is an award-winning program of Commonwealth Youthchoirs, providing hundreds of children in a number of under-resourced schools the opportunity to discover their singing voices and experience the joy of singing with others.
Led by Dr. Elizabeth Parker, FYI Teaching Artists work in public and charter schools in Philadelphia. In its 14th year, FYI is based on the idea that, like riding a bike, everyone can discover their singing voice if someone simply takes the time to help them find it. The “instrument” in Find Your Instrument is the voice!
Commonwealth Youthchoirs (CY) was founded in 2001 to transform young lives through the power of making music together…one song at a time. CY provides an unparalleled outlet for music-making, expression and youth development for children from across the greater Philadelphia region. We are committed to empowering diverse voices, ensuring every singer feels valued. CY’s comprehensive program addresses all learning styles and levels of experience through a sequential rehearsal schedule and music literacy curriculum, in which singers master a challenging, multi-lingual repertoire of diverse music that is developmentally appropriate. Singers acquire solid musicianship while developing life skills such as perseverance, dedication, and teamwork. Whether singing for the Pope, Malala Yousafzai receiving the Liberty Medal, traveling to all 7 continents, or shaking hands with residents in a nursing home, singers learn they are ambassadors for their country and global citizens.
