Musicopia: Giving Philadelphia Students the Gift of Music

Heading home from work last week, I heard the familiar sounds of the violin (I used to play in fourth grade) and looked up to find talented thirteen-year-old Sean Bennett diligently practicing his violin on the corner of Walnut and 15th street.

I recognized Sean from Musicopia; he is a member of the Musicopia String Orchestra and a student at McCall School here in Philadelphia. He also recently performed at Moorestown Mall.

PREIT’s eight Greater Philadelphia malls, clients of Simon PR, have partnered with local non-profit Musicopia to collect new and used musical instruments, music books, music stands, strings, and musical supplies for children in the Delaware Valley through the Gift of Music Instrument Donation Drive. The recycled musical instruments are donated to students who have the talent to study music but do not have the means to rent or purchase the necessary tools. Local students are also performing at PREIT malls in celebration of the partnership.

Sean reminded me of my first musical instrument experience, which began with the recorder in second grade. It was part of my elementary school’s music program, and an opportunity to learn to read sheet music, experience the magic of music, and grasp responsibility. I even had a solo performance- after convincing my Sunday School teacher to let me perform in my church’s annual Christmas play. In fourth grade, our music program gave us yet another chance to discover music, and I graduated to the violin.

Did you know that studies have shown music education has a positive effect on children’s emotional and intellectual growth? Musicopia calls it the “Power of Music.”

With the goal of inspiring a deep love and knowledge of great music, Musicopia reaches over 75,000 children each year through educational music enrichment programs in schools and communities throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

Sean has been playing the violin for three years and is the concert masters assistant. He is also a member of the schools drama club and currently has the lead role in the school play. He is one of many of Musicopia’s success stories and will perform again, this time at Cherry Hill Mall on October 10 alongside nine-year old Eliana Yang on cello and eleventh grader Nakeya Simone Spence on violin.

Working with the School District of Philadelphia, Musicopia designed the Musicopia String Orchestra for students who lack cultural opportunities and constructive outlets. Musicopia also joined with The Clay Studio and Philadelphia Young Playwrights to create a comprehensive arts program in North Philadelphia schools.

Philadelphia schools Meade, Edmunds, and Duckrey participate in Musicopia’s Bridge to Music Program, where in-school, after school, and summer music programs are revitalized or implemented. Meade School Principal Frank Murphy is a strong supporter; he believes that music has the power to change the face of the school and its community.

Overall, Musicopia has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children, many of whom reside in Philadelphia, including Sean Bennett. This organization has given them a chance to learn, to grow, to succeed, and to hope.

(Donations for the Gift of Music Instrument Donation Drive are accepted now through October 31 at PREIT’s eight Philadelphia-area malls customer service centers during mall hours. For more information on Musicopia visit http://www.musicopia.net/.   -Meredith Wertz