Board of Directors Transitions to New Structure, Electing Mary Javian and Megan Speight as Co-Chairs

As we grow and evolve here at Project 440, our leadership structures grow and evolve with us. This month, the Project 440 Board of Directors has transitioned to a Co-Chair structure. Mary Javian and Megan Speight have been elected as the first Board Co-Chairs.

“We are blessed at Project 440 to have such an inspirational Board for our organization,” said Executive Director and Founder Joseph Conyers. “Tad LeVan has valiantly led Project 440 as Chair for nearly six years, and we are very grateful for his steadfast leadership over those years. There are certainly some very large shoes to fill!”

LeVan began in his role as Board chair in May 2015, after being drawn to the organization’s unique approach to using music as a tool for change. He will remain on the Board as Javian and Speight begin their roles as Co-Chairs.

“I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to be Board chair during this period of growth and development for Project 440,” LeVan stated. “Over the past six years, Project 440’s programming, student opportunities, and, most importantly, its positive and lasting impact on Philadelphia and the larger community has increased exponentially. It has been exciting to play a small part in such a great organization that effectuates real change. I am thrilled to transition Board leadership to Mary and Megan – who I know will do a fantastic job taking Project 440 to the next level – and I look forward to remaining with the organization as a Board member, legal counsel, and all-around supporter!”

Mary Javian is the Chair of Career Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music. She has performed as a double bassist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, served as principal bass of the IRIS Orchestra and has recorded with the Philadelphia and IRIS orchestras, the Tanglewood Music Center, Network for New Music, Dolce Suono Ensemble, and the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music. Javian has served on the Project 440 Board of Directors since November 2014.

“As a long-time Board member I am honored to move into the Co-Chair role of this unique and important organization,” shared Javian. “It is urgent that we equip young people with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Project 440's curriculum is a rare model that promotes equity, access and innovation.”

In her role at Curtis, Javian has created a dynamic social entrepreneurship curriculum that develops the entrepreneurial and advocacy skills that 21st-century musicians need. Her project-based classes help students create community partnerships that sustain both artistic and social value.

“Mary is a well-known force nationally for both her musical and community engagement endeavors through music. Her leadership as a co-chair will be invaluable,” Conyers said. “Equally as invaluable as Mary Javian’s work is the work of Megan Speight, whose time with the organization has spanned nearly two years and who very quickly took on the role of Marketing Chair for the organization,” says Conyers. “Her guidance has been integral to the many successes in the messaging of our important work — locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Megan Speight joined the Project 440 Board of Directors in April 2019 and began her work with the Marketing Committee, promoting Project 440’s mission to folks around the country, and beyond.

Speight said, “As a native to the Philadelphia area and a previous classically trained musician, it is my honor to lead this organization as the Co-Chair of the Board with Mary. The impact Project 440 makes locally and nationally in support of equity, inclusion, and upskilling on students is imperative to their success in their future. I look forward to seeing this organization grow and further it's reach in supporting upcoming generations and their drive to ignite change in their communities."

An experienced public relations and communications professional, Speight is the Public Relations Coordinator at the Project Management Institute. She has worked in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors including organizations such as Comcast, The Franklin Institute and the National Constitution Center. In her current role as Public Relations Manager at Maternity Care Coalition, Speight focuses her efforts on media relations, developing and implementing public relations plans, supporting the Fund Development and program staff with events, and co-manages all of the organizations’ social media platforms.

“In their roles as Co-Chairs, we have perfect ‘harmony’ in leadership, stewardship, innovation, motivation, and service, and we are so happy to have them lead Project 440 through this most important time in our organization's history,” said Conyers.

Congratulations to our new Board Co-Chairs, and thank you for your work on behalf of Project 440!

Project 440 Receives First International Grant of $40,000 from Borletti-Buitoni Trust (BBT)

Thanks to the support of generous trusts and foundations, Project 440 has received $50,000 in grant funding so far in 2021, including the organization’s first international grant of $40,000 from the Borletti-Buitoni Trust (BBT). The organization has also received $7,500 from The Presser Foundation, over $3,000 from The Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and $2,500 from The D’Addario Foundation.

BBT Founder Ilaria Borletti Buitoni commented, “All the organisations we support recognise the power of music to transform; to not only teach music skills that generate feelings of pride, accomplishment and respite from challenging daily lives, but also to engender the sense of inclusion, friendship, communication and self-respect that comes from engaging in music-making as a group.”

Project 440 was one of just eight organizations selected by BBT from across the globe. Our peer organizations are working in Kenya, Southern Italy, Norfolk, and beyond ignite positive change through music. Click here to read about all awarded organizations and programs.

Funds from BBT will be used to fund a second cohort of Project 440’s flagship Doing Good program in Philadelphia for the first time, doubling the program’s impact and expanding capacity to 50 students.

“Project 440 is honored to receive our first international award for the important work of our organization,” Executive Director Joseph Conyers stated. “That we can now duplicate our efforts in reaching more young people in Philadelphia both gives us great pride and strengthens our resolve to reach more of our city's you. We are thankful to these foundations for enabling Project 440 to provide our most extensive programming to the greatest number of Philadelphia youth in our organization's history.”

Funds from the Presser and D’Addario Foundation will be used to continue and expand Project 440 programming including Doing Good, Instruments for Success, and Youth Advocacy Council. Through each of these programs, we are resolute in our mission: to empower students to use music as a tool to forge new pathways for themselves and ignite change in their communities. Our vision is that every young person will have the necessary opportunities and tools for personal growth and community impact. By developing these tools through students’ shared interest in music, our programming benefits not just our students, but our community by creating a world where music is seen not as a curricular “add on,” but as an essential cornerstone of any vibrant education.

We are immensely grateful for the support of The Borletti-Buitoni Trust, The Presser Foundation, and The D’Addario Foundation for their generous support, which makes our work possible.

The Borletti-Buitoni Trust (BBT) supports both outstanding young musicians (BBT Artists) and charitable organisations that help the underprivileged and disadvantaged through music (BBT Communities). Whether developing and sustaining young artists’ international careers, or bringing the joy of music to new communities, the Trust provides invaluable assistance and encouragement.  www.bbtrust.com

The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the Deeds of Trust and Will of the late Theodore Presser. In the charter of incorporation, The Foundation’s purposes are set forth to promote primarily the cause of musical education and musical philanthropy as follows: to provide scholarships for promising students; to increase the value of music education by erecting suitable buildings; and to administer aid to worthy teachers of music in distress.

The Philadelphia Cultural Fund (PCF) was established in 1991 when Philadelphia’s Mayor and City Council authorized the creation of an independent nonprofit whose mission is to provide funds to enhance the cultural life and vitality of the City of Philadelphia and its residents. PCF is managed by a professional philanthropy staff, with governance provided by a board comprised of arts leaders, community members and representatives named by the Mayor and City Council President. The PCF aims to advocate for and promote arts and culture as engines of social, education and economic development in Philadelphia.

The D’Addario Foundation is a non-profit organization that identifies the highest quality, most impactful instrument instruction programs in communities of need and awards grants and product donations to assist their growth and development. The Foundation believes in the power of music to unlock creativity, boost self-confidence, and enhance academics. By making music education accessible, we can positively affect social change and foster better citizens of the world.

Manhattan School of Music to Offer Full Scholarship for Project 440 Alumni

Project 440’s groundbreaking and innovative programs, which expand far beyond just musical development, allow our students to grow as musicians, individuals, and members of their community. In recognition of these programs, the Manhattan School of Music recently announced it will offer one full-tuition scholarship per year to a Project 440 alumni.

“Our programs are focused on building agency in young people so they have the tools and support to create their own programs and initiatives that will serve their communities,” Executive Director and Co-Founder of Project 440, Joseph Conyers states. “That the Manhattan School of Music would recognize Project 440 graduates as the type of musician citizens they want on their campus says a lot about their goal of preparing the next generation of musicians. A generation whose work outside the concert hall is just as valued as their work inside of it.”

Here’s how it works:

1. The applicant must have graduated from one of Project 440’s programs — either our leader and entrepreneurship program, Doing Good, or our college and career readiness program, Instruments for Success. 

2. The applicant must then apply, audition, and be accepted to a program at the Manhattan School of Music. The application deadline is December 1st, 2020.

3. The applicant will have an opportunity to identify themselves as a Project 440 graduate on Financial Aid Questionnaire supplementary documents.

4. The applicant will then be considered for the Project 440 scholarship. One scholarship winner will be selected each academic year.

Project 440 students will have the opportunity to be considered for this full scholarship with the Manhattan School of Music beginning during the application cycle for fall 2021 admissions.

Manhattan School of Music President James Gandre shared, “We are excited to partner with Project 440 and recognize students who embody the core values of our mission by becoming effective contributors to both the arts and society. Their accomplishments as young artist citizens, even before they walk through our doors, is inspiring and I look forward to the impact they will have at our school and [on] our society.”

Project 440’s vision is that, “through music, every young person [will be] provided with the opportunity and tools for individual growth and community impact.” It is through the support and opportunities offered by our community that make our work possible. We look forward to seeing our students thrive at the Manhattan School of Music and beyond, and to continuing to offer these opportunities to our students.

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Project 440 Starts 2020 with a Bang: The Lewis Prize for Music and The Philadelphia Foundation

Project 440 Selected as $25,000 Lewis Prize Finalist Awardee

The Lewis Prize for Music (a newly established philanthropy) announced it’s giving away nearly $2 million to support youth music education. Project 440 was selected as a Finalist Awardee and will receive $25,000. This money will go directly toward supporting the transformative work of ten organizations that are working tirelessly to make sure opportunities to learn, perform and create music are available to all young people.

You can see the results of The Lewis Prize by clicking here! Be sure to check out these great stories on The New York Times, Generocity, and The Salt Lake City Tribune!

Project 440 Receives $20,000 grant from the fund for Children of the Philadelphia Foundation

Project 440 received a $20,000 grant from the Fund for Children of The Philadelphia Foundation to support our professional development and strategic planning. Announcement of the grant was made by Pedro A. Ramos, President and CEO of the Foundation. Andy Sabol, Interim Managing Director of Project 440, shared "The support of The Philadelphia Foundation is invaluable to Project 440 as we continue growing. Professional Development and Strategic Planning will help us better serve more young people across Philadelphia. We are grateful for their support of our mission!"

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Project 440 Selected as $500,000 Lewis Prize Finalist

The Lewis Prize for Music, a $500,000 grant supporting the creation of fair and vibrant communities through music, has selected Philadelphia based nonprofit Project 440 as one of ten inaugural finalists for their work in music education. The mission of the Lewis Prize is to partner with leaders who create positive change by investing in young people through music. We believe young people with access to high-quality music learning, performance and creation opportunities will mature into thriving individuals. The national search included 187 organizations and was established by philanthropist and social impact investor Daniel R. Lewis to resource champions and leaders of music programs and projects to create more fair and vibrant communities. In addition to Project 440 being selected as a finalist, the esteemed Founder and Executive Director, Joseph Conyers, is being recognized for the services he and Project 440 provide for the City of Philadelphia.

Joseph H. Conyers was appointed assistant principal bassist of The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2010 after tenures with the Atlanta Symphony, Santa Fe Opera, and Grand Rapids Symphony where he served as principal bass. He has served as acting associate principal bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 2017. A formidable advocate for music education, he is also the music director of the school district of Philadelphia’s All City Orchestra.

Project 440 helps young people use their interest in music to forge new pathways for themselves and ignite change in their community. Through its four core programs—Doing Good, Instruments for Success, the College Fair for Musicians, and the Youth Advisory Council—Project 440 connects with Philadelphia students to provide the skills and tools necessary to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Joseph Conyers shared the following: “We are elated to be selected as a finalist for the inaugural Lewis Prize. To be recognized for our work in music education among such laudable peers across the country is humbling. Our team at Project 440 has developed a unique approach to music education through a comprehensive creative youth development curriculum. We are proud of the many accomplishments of our students and are thrilled to have those accomplishments recognized by the Lewis Prize. A hearty congratulations to all the other finalists; we are inspired by your determination to make a difference in the lives of children through music. Bravi, tutti!”

ABOUT PROJECT 440:
Project 440 engages, educates and inspires young musicians, providing them with the career and life skills they need to develop into tomorrow's civic-minded, entrepreneurial leaders. Project 440 refers to the 440Hz "tuning A" of an orchestra. Just as the oboe leads an orchestra with the 440 Hz pitch, Project 440 students are learning to be 21st Century leaders. For more information on Project 440, visit www.project440.org.

ABOUT THE LEWIS PRIZE:
The mission of the Lewis Prize is to partner with leaders who create positive change by investing in young people through music. We believe young people with access to high-quality music learning, performance and creation opportunities will mature into thriving individuals. Our vision is for every young person, regardless of who they are or where they live, to have the opportunity to access music programs from a young age. We aim to do this by finding and awarding ambitious leaders who are already strengthening young people in their communities through rigorous and diverse music programs. For more information on the Lewis Prize, visit www.thelewisprize.org.

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Hilary Hahn Donates her $25,000 Glashütte Original Festspielpreis to Project 440

Philadelphia nonprofit selected by Hahn because of their unique education work

Pictured: Hilary Hahn (left, photo credit: Michael Patrick O'Leary), Joseph Conyers with Project 440 students (right, photo credit: Al B For photography)

World-renowned violinist Hilary Hahn has selected the Philadelphia-based nonprofit Project 440 as the recipient of a $25,000 gift stemming from the prize money she received as part of the Glashütte Original Festspielpreis five years ago. Hahn was selected due to her achievements in encouraging young musicians and promoting classical music education.

The award comes with the stipulation that the accompanying $25,000 grant be donated to a music-education initiative of the awardee’s choice. Hahn chose Project 440 as the sole recipient because of their view of music as a stepping stone to teaching high schoolers to actively impact their world on their own terms and practice essential skills for their lives beyond the school system.

“Hilary Hahn is a role model for many young musicians,” says Jan Vogler, Director of the Dresden Music Festival, who presented the award. “Her creativity and determination in pursuing her career as well as her talent in communicating her musical life to her audiences inspire the classical music world. The Dresden Music Festival was proud to award her the ‘Glashütte Original Festspielpreis’ 2014 and is looking forward to welcoming her back to the festival in the future.”

Project 440 is a Philadelphia based non-profit organization. Rather than focusing on performance and musical achievement, Project 440’s unique programs draw on a shared love of music to help young people build essential life skills. They offer two free after-school programs to high school students in Philadelphia, Doing Good and Instruments for Success, and host an annual College Fair for Musicians.

Hahn has had close ties to Philadelphia since her violin studies brought her to the city in 1990. She made her orchestral soloist debut with the Concerto Soloists Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia in 1991, at the age of 11; as part of that engagement, she played her first outreach concerts in the Philadelphia public schools. She made her debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 14, and at 16, she returned to them as soloist for her Carnegie Hall debut. She continued to live in the city until 2004 and returned regularly thereafter, including as Artist-in-Residence with the Philadelphia Orchestra in the 2017-18 season.

“Project 440 serves a crucial purpose within the arts world,” says Hahn. “They reach across a broad socio-economic spectrum to high school students, helping them to take leadership roles in their communities and rehearsing life skills within the shared language of music. Many organizations are doing great work around personal leadership, but the way Project 440 goes about it is different from anything I’ve seen. I believe that music can be a starting point for so many kinds of conversations. Musical study has parallels across multiple disciplines: daily practice, self-guided development, the translation of history into the present day, empathy, communication, and collaboration. To harness that shared basis into a sense of purpose in the wider world not only helps music, it helps the world. Project 440 is poised to implement their projects on a larger scale, and I hope this grant will help them to reach their goals for the 2019-20 school year. They are a small organization with a big impact. Between their mission, passion, achievements, organizational efficiency, reach, and potential, they are the complete package. I’m excited to see what’s ahead!”

Joseph Conyers, Project 440 Founder and Executive Director, shared the following:

“Hilary Hahn is an artist of the highest caliber and international repute. I’ve been in awe of her playing since her debut album of Bach as a teenager — a recording that remains one of the finest I know. I am a long-time admirer of Hilary’s artistry and musicianship. Even with such accolades, Hilary has gone above and beyond to make herself accessible — using her gifts to inspire countless aspiring young musicians, music lovers, and enthusiasts worldwide through unique collaborations, the championing of new music, and superstar status as an influencer on social media. Using music as a tool to encourage and empower young people is at the core of our work at Project 440. We are thrilled that Hilary has identified Project 440 as the recipient of the funds from her prestigious Glashütte Award. We are thankful for Hilary’s belief in our programs, and we are further encouraged to do all we can — through music — to teach the life skills needed for individual growth and community impact to as many young people as possible.”

ABOUT PROJECT 440:

Project 440 engages, educates and inspires young musicians, providing them with the career and life skills they need to develop into tomorrow's civic-minded, entrepreneurial leaders. Project 440 refers to the 440Hz "tuning A" of an orchestra. Just as the oboe leads an orchestra with the 440 Hz pitch, Project 440 students are learning to be 21st Century leaders. For more information on Project 440, visit www.project440.org.

ABOUT HILARY HAHN:

Three-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn is renowned for her clear and brilliant musicality, expansive interpretations, and organic connections with her audience. Since beginning her recording career in 1997, she has released 20 feature albums on Sony, Deutsche Grammophon, and Decca. Hahn begins a year-long sabbatical in September after a busy 2018-19 season, in which she completed her solo Bach cycle with a long-awaited recording of Partita No. 1 and Sonatas 1 & 2; embarked on a worldwide solo Bach recital tour; released the world premiere recording of her solo commission of Antón García Abril’s 6 Partitas; and launched the print edition of the sheet music for her large-scale commissioning project In 27 Pieces: the Hilary Hahn Encores, featuring her own fingerings, bowings, and performance notes.

Hahn is active on social media and has a large global audience that spans all ages. She is the originator of #100daysofpractice, an Instagram-based practice initiative, and has completed three sequences of the project. Fellow musicians and students have joined in with their own 100 days, adding up to more than 200,000 posts under the hashtag. The project has inspired viewers and participants to embrace the practice process as a positive, creative, and social aspect of artistic development rather than an isolating and frustrating chore. Hahn’s three sets of #100daysofpractice can be found on her feed @violincase.  

For more information and to read her extensive archive of writings from the road, visit www.hilaryhahn.com.

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Historic $25,000 Challenge Grant Generously Pledged by John McFadden Esq. and Lisa D. Kabnick Esq.

Project 440’s fiscal year-end campaign is halfway completed, and we are honored to announce the support of John McFadden Esq. and Lisa D. Kabnick Esq.! The couple has pledged to match up to $25,000 of donations received during the month of August. McFadden, who sits on the Philadelphia Orchestra Association, Curtis Institute of Music, and other boards stated: “We are proud to support Project 440 in its vision for using music as a tool to support young people in Philadelphia.”

John is a founder and partner at McFadden, Pilkington, & Ward LLC, an international law firm. He currently lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Lisa D. Kabnick, Esq., a senior advisor at Pepper Hamilton LLP and vice chair of the board of Philadelphia Media Network. John earned degrees from Harvard University (BA), Columbia University (MBA), and Fordham University (JD). He has a strong connection with the arts as he serves on multiple boards mentioned above, including the Barnes Foundation. McFadden also serves on the board of the Philadelphia Media Network.

John’s passion for the arts can be traced back to a special concert performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He said that this was a “Road to Damascus” moment that changed his life and inspired him to support artistic organizations. Not only does he share a strong value for the arts, but he strongly believes in supporting young artists and the organizations that serve them.

We can not thank John and Lisa enough for their support of Project 440. We are proud to have their backing as we continue to provide the young people of Philadelphia with the skills and tools they need to succeed. artists. Join us in making an impact by donating here.

Michael Tilson Thomas - Project 440's Essential Role in Music

By Michael Tilson Thomas

Michael Tilson Thomas working with Joseph Conyers and the All-City Orchestra.

It is a pleasure to write these words of appreciation about Project 440.

Project 440 takes its name from the frequency of the note “A” to which orchestras tune. 

Orchestras have been in existence for some four hundred years and have brought both performers and listeners together in ways that defined and re-imagined the spirit of their times and passed it on to the future. Such is the case of Project 440 which gives young people the opportunity to learn essential life, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills through the shared medium of music. Some of them will become musicians. All of them will have an understanding of the language of music and the desire to share its caring message with others in creative new ways. 

There are two essential moments in the life of an artist and of an artistic organization. One is inventing yourself. The other is going the distance. Project 440 has done both. Since 2010, under the leadership of Joseph Conyers, it has created and sustained an educational and artistic partnership with all of Philadelphia sharing music educational opportunities into all communities, partnering with its school system, and encouraging young people to become effective partisans of music and the rich cultural heritage it expresses.

Joseph Conyers has a wonderful way of connecting people. His experience as a principal player in the Philadelphia Orchestra and his awareness of the many cultures of young people right at this moment give him a can-do spirit that is inspiring to young people and seasoned professionals. The faces of the Project 440 participants glow with the devotion that Joseph Conyers and his team bring to this project.

Project 440 Receives Support from Marple Newtown High School Tri-M Music Honor Society

On May 7th, 2019, the Marple Newtown High School held their induction ceremony for the newest chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. During this celebration, they announced that they donated $1,100 to Project 440 in support of our programs and the work we do for the communities in Philadelphia. The support of a group of hard-working and generous young people is one of our greatest motivators, and we are excited to continue working for the young people of Philadelphia.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society students recently completed a service project in which they raised $1,100 to donate to an organization they believed in. During one of their meetings, Jake Olimpi (Advisor of Tri-M) mentioned Project 440 and explained our mission and programs. Olimpi said this about the students’ reactions, “Their eyes lit up. Applying skills learned through music to the real world is something we strive to teach here at Marple Newtown so it only made sense to contribute to a program that helped students so close to our school.”

As our programs begin to wrap-up and we congratulate our graduating seniors, we want to also thank and congratulate the students of Marple Newtown’s Tri-M Society on a successful service project and a generous donation. We hope to continue to inspire these students and can’t wait to see what they accomplish in their futures!

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