Why sponsor the Music Opportunity Program?
Activities of the Music Opportunity Program (MOP) take place throughout Jefferson and North Shelby Counties. During the 2011-12 school year, the MOP String Academy enrolled over 300 youngsters and served 23 cities and communities in the Greater Birmingham area, including:
Alabaster, Bessemer, Birmingham, Clay, Docena, Dora, Fairfield, Gardendale, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Hueytown, Kimberly, McCalla, Mountain Brook, Mt. Olive, Morris, Pinson, Trussville, Unincorporated Jefferson County, Unincorporated Shelby County, Vestavia Hills and Warrior.
MOP maintains a need-based scholarship program to ensure that all children are able to participate regardless of socio-economic status.
Almost none of the schools in the Birmingham area are able to offer string instrument instruction to elementary school age children. As music educators in our public schools face more and more budget cutbacks, MOP serves as an essential partner by providing our children with a variety of ways to develop their skills and confidence with nurturing, high-quality string instrument instruction and opportunities to showcase their talents. The benefits of music education extend well beyond the classroom. Music training appears to improve how sounds are processed for language and emotion. The hard work and discipline that goes into making music also helps build strong character. One study revealed that secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs). In fact, the National Governor’s Association reported that involvement in the arts is one avenue by which at-risk youth can acquire the various competencies necessary to become economically self-sufficient over the long term, rather than becoming a financial strain on their states and communities.
The emphasis of the Music Opportunity Program is on opportunity. The goal of the Music Opportunity Program is to provide the opportunity for music education to as many young people as possible. MOP offers a uniquely comprehensive music education that introduces young beginners to string instruments and continues their education through high school. MOP provides access to an education not otherwise possible for these children. MOP helps our community’s children attain the proven benefits of music education. All young people deserve opportunity and it is our responsibility along with other value-driven institutions, to do all we can to enhance those opportunities and see that they become available to as widely diverse a population as possible.
Alabaster, Bessemer, Birmingham, Clay, Docena, Dora, Fairfield, Gardendale, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Hueytown, Kimberly, McCalla, Mountain Brook, Mt. Olive, Morris, Pinson, Trussville, Unincorporated Jefferson County, Unincorporated Shelby County, Vestavia Hills and Warrior.
MOP maintains a need-based scholarship program to ensure that all children are able to participate regardless of socio-economic status.
Almost none of the schools in the Birmingham area are able to offer string instrument instruction to elementary school age children. As music educators in our public schools face more and more budget cutbacks, MOP serves as an essential partner by providing our children with a variety of ways to develop their skills and confidence with nurturing, high-quality string instrument instruction and opportunities to showcase their talents. The benefits of music education extend well beyond the classroom. Music training appears to improve how sounds are processed for language and emotion. The hard work and discipline that goes into making music also helps build strong character. One study revealed that secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs). In fact, the National Governor’s Association reported that involvement in the arts is one avenue by which at-risk youth can acquire the various competencies necessary to become economically self-sufficient over the long term, rather than becoming a financial strain on their states and communities.
The emphasis of the Music Opportunity Program is on opportunity. The goal of the Music Opportunity Program is to provide the opportunity for music education to as many young people as possible. MOP offers a uniquely comprehensive music education that introduces young beginners to string instruments and continues their education through high school. MOP provides access to an education not otherwise possible for these children. MOP helps our community’s children attain the proven benefits of music education. All young people deserve opportunity and it is our responsibility along with other value-driven institutions, to do all we can to enhance those opportunities and see that they become available to as widely diverse a population as possible.
"Music education offers a world of opportunity for students, many of whom would not have the opportunity without MOP. Learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement and higher test scores because the arts is a motivator that unlocks a deeper understanding of the student’s education. We know that the arts have been linked to students’ increased critical and creative thinking skills, self-esteem, willingness to take risks, and ability to work with others. What this nonprofit offers to the students of Birmingham City Schools is unmatched." Phyllis Wyne, Birmingham Board of Education
