Project 440 Board Spotlight: Yumi Kendall

Meet Yumi Kendall, the Assistant Principal Cello of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Project 440’s newest Board member! Our interview highlights here career in music and how she learned of Project 440.

Q: How did you get involved with Project 440, and what drew you to this organization?

I'd like to think I've been involved with Project 440 since its beginning days! I've been friends with Joseph Conyers since 1999 when we met at Verbier the summer before we entered Curtis. Since hearing about the origins of the organization and seeing its evolution over the years, becoming a Board member felt like an inevitability! 

Q: What inspired you to give to Project 440 as a donor and as a working Board member?

Making official what was already happening felt so natural. I've enjoyed serving Project 440 in unofficial ways (playing at salon events, serving on a committee), and now being a part of the inner Project 440 family solidifies my commitment. Most of all, it's exciting to be a part of the ever-changing arts landscape and to work with such a vibrant, dynamic Board and staff!

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Q: What drove you to pursue a career in music?

Some careers evolve from a smooth trajectory, and some are sparked by realizations or sudden inspirations. Mine was a combination of both. The trajectory aspect: I've been playing cello since I was five years old, and my (American) family has had deep involvement in music since before I was born. Being surrounded by musicians, many of them professional, showed me what a fulfilling life one can have as a musician. The spark of decision -- to "go into" music -- came in my senior year of high school, right after taking the SATs and realizing that while my friends  were applying to traditional colleges, I really should be applying to music conservatories. It was an important decision point and just felt right. Of course, life has many turns, and in 2016, in my 12th season in the Philadelphia Orchestra, I took the opportunity (and challenge) to go to grad school at the University of Pennsylvania for a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology. It changed my life! The intersections of music and the science of well-being (positive psychology) has opened up exciting doors: a new community of people and professions, and ideas, studies, and questions that extend to organizational well-being as well, which resonate with my love of my own Philadelphia Orchestra as well as Project 440 and other important organizations I care about. Life is full of opportunity!

Q: What are some of your interests/hobbies that you do in your free time?

Wait, what's free time? 

Actually, all kidding aside, at the moment, I'm in social distancing mode due to the pandemic as I think we all are. I'm working on several projects for the Virtual Philadelphia Orchestra, and that's taking a lot of mental space in a great way. In the meantime, I'm staying sane by enjoying spending time with my family, learning new recipes, and getting ready for some big personal life changes (baby due in October!).

Q: Why do you think our work is important?

Project 440 is not just important, it is necessary. It is necessary because of its focus on service, on giving back to one's community. At its core, Project 440 believes it's not just enough to be a member of society; Project 440 says our world now needs all of us to give of ourselves in whatever ways we can, and to think of ourselves and act as ambassadors of a cause, a reason d'etre. Thus, Project440 is especially essential for young people, in whom the organization strives to cultivates a sense of purpose by giving to the world around us. I'm proud and honored to be a part of Project 440!


The Youth Advisory Council Announces the 2020 "In Tune” Award Recipient

Each year, Project 440's Youth Advisory Council recognizes a teacher and their work with the In Tune award. Recipients are awarded for their devotion to students, innovation in teaching, and presence with to students.

For the second annual In Tune award, the Youth Advisory Council selects Aileen Rimando-Jackson!

Aileen Rimando Jackson is in her sixth year teaching for the School District of Philadelphia, and is currently finishing her first year as the Orchestra Director at Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP)!  Passionate about youth and music education, she was previously an itinerant music teacher for the district; coach and student advocate for Musicopia String Orchestras; and chamber music coach, teacher, and counselor at the New York State Summer School of the Arts’ School of Orchestral Studies.

She holds a Master of Science degree in Arts Administration from Drexel University, and Bachelor of Music degrees in Violin Performance and Music Education from Temple University. An avid freelance violinist, she also often performs throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.  In addition to her musical activities, Aileen loves running around the city with Students Run Philly Style, traveling the world, and laughing with loved ones.  She happily resides in Philadelphia with her goofball, sweetheart husband, Kevin.

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Aileen said the following in acceptance of the award: “I am honored and deeply touched to receive the In Tune Award by an organization that uses music as a tool to guide our youth in their own lives while also being better ambassadors for the community.  I am so blessed and lucky to have a job I very much love -- teaching and sharing music every day with students who constantly energize and inspire ME!  I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the immense gratitude I hold in my heart for my own mentors, colleagues, friends, and family, for I would not be where I am today without their guidance, support, and love.”

We are thankful for her hard work and dedication as she continues to teach and guide the students in our community. Join us in congratulating the 2nd In Tune award winner, Aileen Rimando-Jackson!


Staff Spotlight: Hilary Dow Ward

Meet Hilary Dow Ward, Project 440’s new Managing Director! Our interview highlights how she got involved with Project 440 and all of the work she does.

Q: How did you get involved with Project 440, and what drew you to this organization?

My first interaction with Project 440 was through the College Fair for Musicians in 2019.  I heard about the conference in the summer of 2019 through Najib Wong and PMAY. He suggested that it would be a great way to advertise the University programs I work with.  I signed up and came as an exhibitor. While there I had a great conversation with Joseph Conyers and several board members and became very interested in the possibility of working with the organization. The rest, as they say, is history.

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Q: What is your personal connection with music?

I have spent a lot of time in higher education both as a student and as an educator, and at the bottom of my pile of degrees is the degree that I consider to have been the most difficult and most rewarding to earn, a degree in music performance. I attended a state school of music and had the tremendous opportunity to study both voice and piano performance. The choice to study music in college was a no brainer. When asked what I would be when I grew up, my young self anticipated that I would study piano performance and teach at the college level. It's amazing, I did it! Though, I can't ever credit my love of music without giving tremendous nod to my exposure to music through my K-12 music teachers. I wouldn't be who I am without having had excellent teachers and pedagogy during my formative years, and especially high school. I have a lot of love and tremendous respect for high quality K-12 classroom music educators. I'm also proud to say I've been one! 

Q: What motivates you in your personal work and research?

I am highly motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in the life of another young person, another musician, other human beings. I love to problem solve, to troubleshoot, and to explore the best possible way to make things happen, whatever it be. When considering research topics, I'm always curious about devising research questions that best solve the problems and needs of others. I always ask,"how will this impact others for years to come?" and, "how can I best use my available resources to serve others?" 

 

Q: What are some of your interests/hobbies that you do in your free time?

In another life I think I want to be an architect or an interior designer. I didn't have the foresight to get a degree in architecture, I was too busy practicing the piano. But I did also have a career in design. I went down that path working with a furniture designer that sells to the trade one summer in between masters degree programs. I loved it. It was also a great place to creatively problem solve. I would be remiss if I didn't also mention that I have a child.  So, now, free time is usually completely consumed by him, which is perfectly okay with me! He's amazing! 

 

Q: If you could give any advice to your high school self with regards to college applications and career choices, what would it be?

This is funny because I started looking at music school programs over 20 years ago. Times sure have changed. And, as it turned out, I went to the school for undergrad that was perfect for me. I loved every minute of it, mostly.  It was the right size of school and university, had the right kind of offerings for what I wanted to study and was within close proximity to my family, which was important for me. What I will say to students in 2020 is this... Do not bite off more than you can chew, even if you are growing as a person and think you can manage it.  Don't over schedule yourself, I've seen this happen with so many of my college students! Your schedule in your first semesters are crucial to your success over the span of 4 or 5 years in undergrad. Don't go to a school you can't afford. It doesn't matter what brand name it is, the expense in this day and age may cripple you forever. Don't go to a school just because your high school friends are going there.  You will make more friends, sometimes not knowing anyone will be the greatest part of your undergraduate experience.


Alumni Spotlight: Chloe Cooper

Meet Chloe Cooper, one of Project 440’s alumni! Our interview highlights her experience in our programs and what she is doing now.

Q:  What instrument do you play? Do you have interests that lie outside of music?

I play the flute, but outside of music I'm a photographer (you can check out my work on my Instagram, @chloecpictures!). I recently got into gardening and I have so far planted mint and lavender. I love to cook and I'm always trying new recipes, and I collect crystals.

Q: How did you hear about and get involved with Project 440? What programs were you in?

I heard about Project 440 through a friend (Marquise) and the first program I joined was Doing Good in 2018, which was their inaugural year. That was the jumping off point for me to join Instruments for Success, the Youth Advisory Council, and speak at multiple P440's salons.

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Q: How did those program(s) help you grow?

Starting with Doing Good, I learned how to be an entrepreneur by learning how to make budgets, elevator pitches, and business models to successfully actualize my idea into an organization, which I am proud to say myself and my business partner Claire did by creating Generation Music. Instruments for Success taught me about the college application process, which I desperately needed because it wasn't explained as in-depth at my high school. Cigus (The College Fairy) was an amazing teacher and helped me every step of the way. He helped me understand the FAFSA application and using the Common App since it was my first time dealing with those websites and even looked over any essays I had to write for the colleges I was applying to. I learned how to appeal my financial aid awards, what to look for when picking colleges, and what college admission officers look for in an application. The Youth Advisory Council taught me what a working board looked like and how it functioned. We all voted to appoint people to various roles in the council but we all still had a voice to share our thoughts and opinions. With the Youth Advisory Council, we planned multiple Young Persons Night at the Orchestra for high school students to be able to meet members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and attend their concert.

Q: What are you doing now? (school, working, etc.)

I'm currently studying Music Education at the University of Tampa. I joined Kappa Kappa Psi, which is a national honorary band fraternity in November of 2019, and this semester I became the committee chair for the fundraising committee. Although I'm in Florida, I'm still an active member in planning and coordinating events for Generation Music with Claire. 

Q: If there is one thing you could tell high school students about college and the experience, what would it be?

1.) Give yourself time and preparation when it comes to finishing your application, preparing for auditions, and actually applying.

2.) You gain a lot of free time with your class schedule so take that time to de-stress and do something for yourself!

3.) This is the perfect time to join clubs, if you're in a new city you can explore and really acclimate yourself, and most importantly make new friends!

4.) Make sure that you pick a major that you enjoy and are good at. Sometimes the major you do pick will not be easy all the time but in the end, your reward will pay off greatly.


Congratulations to the Doing Good Class of 2020!

On January 30th, 2020, we celebrated the 2020 Doing Good Graduation! Doing Good is a 30-session intensive after-school entrepreneurial program that provides guidance to high school musicians who want to positively impact their communities. The unique curriculum challenges students to view their curiosity about the world as a window through which they can see the needs, gaps, and opportunities they are best equipped to address.

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The evening was headlined by the students presenting their community-service projects to their friends, family, and the Project 440 family. This year’s projects included:

New Melodies

Makayla Bevans, Jacob Lubira, Danayah Randoloph, Skylar Walter 

Mission: New Melodies is a non-profit organization that is giving children diagnosed with mental illness an artistic outlet.  Much of the diagnosed youth today result in their entire lives being turned upside down. In activities, if you are diagnosed, sometimes you can’t participate.  When they get singled out it then pushes the person further away from interacting with others. However, in art, there are very little guidelines and rules. Those diagnosed don’t have to worry about being singled out.  The program will not only stretch the boundaries but it will show the children and society that these diagnosed are more capable than a statistic might say.

Generation Music Plus

Aviva Bock, Louis Dong, Sebastian Gonzales, Naomi Luko, Mateusz Pater, Kintan Silvany

Mission: Generation Music educates underrepresented youth in classical music with a series of interactive workshops and lessons which is completely taught by young people from their musical knowledge.  Through our interactive workshops and lessons, students no matter their background, will have access to music education.

Environmental Emphasis

Christine Lao, Iyana Muhammad, Ariadna Rosas

Mission: Our mission is to educate young people about the mistreatment of the environment due to these large conglomerates.  We hope that with learning this info about these companies the youth can stop or lessen their shopping at these conglomerates.  We want them to find other alternatives with their shopping or use recycled material to help with our mission to help the environment.

Youth Engagement

Kevin Arthur, Chrystie Jean-Baptiste, Jaida Lazarus, James Morton, Christopher Rodriguez

Mission: Our introduction of music to the youth will allow them to find passion and identity through the art form.  We aim to prevent the youth from spending their time dangerously in their community by providing them with opportunities through music so that they can grow as individuals.  As a result, this will foster a greater sense of community and encourage positive behavior.

We could not have asked for a better group of dedicated students to kick off 2020 with. Congratulations, we can’t wait to see what you all accomplish!

We want to send special thanks to our Program Director and Teaching Artist, Susanna Loewy, Teaching Artist Nozomi Imamura, and the Curtis Institute for Music for sharing their space with us.


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 TimesGenerocity, 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!"


Project 440 Selected as $500,000 Lewis Prize Finalist

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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.

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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.



Staff Spotlight: Andy Sabol

Meet Andy Sabol, Project 440’s Interim Managing Director! Our interview highlights how and why he got involved with and how he’s grown alongside Project 440.

Q: How did you get involved with Project 440, and what drew you to this organization?

I took lessons to double on flute with Susanna Loewy, Project 440 Program Director and Lead Teaching Artist, while studying Music at Kutztown University, and began working at her music festival the summer of 2018. Susanna introduced me to an internship opportunity last year at Project 440 to gain more experience in an administrative role. I also began working on my masters in Arts Administration at Drexel University, so it presented an opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained from my education. Most importantly, however, I was a music student with interests outside of performing and I found a true connection to Project 440’s mission and vision.

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Q: You wear many hats outside Project 440. Can you elaborate on the other work you pursue?

In addition to Project 440, I am the Assistant Director of the Pikes Falls Chamber Music Festival in Vermont. While my main focus now lies in my administrative work, I regularly perform as a sax player and audio engineer for PJB, a funk band in Bethelem, PA, teach a saxophone studio of grade-school students, and am the Lead Editor for an up-and-coming eSports Organization!

Q: What motivates you to work in the various roles and fields in and out of music?

I never was interested in just one area/field and struggled to decide on what to pursue in my career.
I wanted to find a way to balance all of my interests while still making a meaningful impact. Administration and teaching are the two roles that allow me to translate my experience to any field while helping a group of people grow and develop.

Q: You started as an Intern and are now the Interim Managing Director. What are some of the key things you’ve learned during your time with Project 440?

Transitioning into the Interim role presents its own challenges and learning curves. There of course are the basic administrative/operational tasks and challenges that I picked up as I went along. The most important lessons I’ve learned, however, is the value of prioritization and communication.

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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

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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.

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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.