Meet Kintan Silvany, Youth Representative to the Project 440 Board of Directors

Meet Kintan Silvany, the newest member and Youth Board Representative of the Project 440 Board of Directors. Kintan is a senior at John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls School and started playing the harp when she was 11 years old. She has completed Project 440’s Instruments for Success and Doing Good programs, served as a peer mentor during Project 440: Online, and serves as a member of the Youth Advocacy Council (YAC).

Kintan currently serves as a teacher for Generation Music and as a Youth Apprentice for PhillyRoots, a social justice youth program, where she is involved with civic engagement and community defense. At school, she is Treasurer of Student Council, Co-President of the Music Club, a proud Colgan Scholar, and participates in mock trial, yearbook, and the All-Catholic Orchestra.

Kintan also volunteers both with her youth group, Maranatha, and at her community library every Wednesday tutoring younger students, and labeling and shelving books. As she joins the Board of Directors, Kintan took time to reflect on her time with Project 440 thus far, and share how her experiences have shaped her as an individual and musician.

What has been your favorite part of working with Project 440? “I love so much of Project 440, I really can't name one! Mr. Cigus, our beloved ‘College Fairy,’ has personally helped me so much with my college process. I always ask him to edit my essays and he always makes the time to do so. At YAC, we started a new segment called Music in Color (thanks to Myles Bell), and it has been so interesting hearing from young musicians from the Philadelphia community. Without Doing Good, I wouldn't have been able to become a teacher. I can't forget about being a Peer Mentor during Project 440: Online! Working with Ms. Hanul was a blast!”

What is your proudest accomplishment? “My proudest accomplishment with P440 was leading my own workshop for Generation Music. We started a new segment last year called ‘Mini Masterclasses,’ and I led the first one with my very own harp! We have now switched the program online so if music teachers need those lessons, they are at their service.”

How has Project 440 supported you as an individual and as a musician? How has it impacted your life? “It definitely made me realize that there was more to music than just playing classical. I'm going to let you in on a little secret: classical music isn't really my thing. I still wanted to incorporate music in my life somehow, but I didn’t know how! Going into Doing Good for the first time in 10th grade, I realized my dream was to create a nonprofit music school in my parents’ hometown of Surabaya, Indonesia. I couldn't really do it yet since I couldn't go to Indonesia during the school year, but this goal stood in the back of my mind. Ms. Susanna encouraged me to join another nonprofit organization that had a similar mission of benefitting future generations: Generation Music.

I would be totally lost in the college process without Cigus, and I really mean that. I am stress-free when I know I can just email him anytime with any silly questions I have about my essay, the Common App, or really anything else! Ms. Sam Apgar has been so supportive of YAC. She guides us and lets us be independent at the same time. Without her, I wouldn't know how YAC could have been as successful as it is right now.

Overall, as you can tell, Project 440 has immensely impacted my life in a very positive way. I now know what I want to do in the future and without P440 I wouldn't have had that wake-up call.”

Kintan and her Generation Music project group in spring 2019.

What do you want Project 440 donors to know? “Philadelphia has a vastly diverse amount of young musicians who need your support. Without you, I would not have found my life's purpose. Help others like me! While they may or may not find their life's purpose, they will learn that there is so much more you can do in life than play in an orchestra. While playing in an orchestra is pretty fun, learning how to start your own nonprofit is a skill not many people have. Funding Project 440 will allow GenZ musicians to have another skill that will help them stand out everywhere! At Project 440, you don't have to be a prodigy. You just need to have potential!”

In the future, Kintan aspires to run her own non-profit music school in Indonesia. We are immensely grateful for the time and passion she has already invested in the Project 440 community, and cannot wait to see what she accomplishes as a member of our Board of Directors and beyond!

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December Giving Campaign: Student Spotlights

After a year of growth and development, we are challenging our supporters to help us reach our goal of $20,000 in donations in the month of December. Donations go directly to creative youth-based programming that provides young people with the opportunity and tools for individual growth and community impact. Keep up with us throughout the month to read about our students, who have benefitted from Project 440 programming thanks to your support!

“As an individual and a musician, Project 440 has given me new opportunities to spread myself and music in unique ways. Project 440 gave music a new meaning in my life.” - Patricia Harden

Meet Mora-Lee Moore!

Mora-Lee Moore is a sophomore PMAY Artist and has been playing the violin for seven years. Mora-Lee says her favorite part of music is having the opportunity to play with others. “It's my biggest motivation when I choose to participate in chamber ensembles and orchestras.”

Proudest Accomplishment:  “I'm very proud of the person that I have grown to become until now, and my resolve for all of the obstacles that I have faced.”

Favorite Part of Project 440 Programming:  “My favorite part of working with the Doing Good program is that I'm given the resources to take advantage of my experience in music and the arts in order to make a positive impact on communities.”

When asked how Project 440 programming has impacted her life, Mora-Lee shares, “Before joining Project 440, I felt like I was incapable of making any kind of change. Doing Good has made me realize that having the experience of being a musician is a tool in and of itself. Music allows me to be able to help others while doing something that I love. Learning this has opened up all kinds of career paths for me, and I finally feel like I'm capable of making any kind of change that I'm passionate about.”

What does Mora-Lee want our donors to know? “I would like for donors to know that the knowledge that Project 440 provides to students is life-changing, and these tools that are taught will help students all throughout their life. I definitely know that Project 440's teachings will stick with me.”

In the future, Mora-Lee plans to become a more experienced musician, study songwriting, and continue my journey of self-discovery.

Ryan Williams

Ryan is a junior violinist and PMAY Artist. He has been playing violin since fourth grade.

Favorite Part of Project 440 Programming:  “I really enjoy talking & meeting new people. They were very helpful & I enjoyed every class. This program is an amazing program for people looking into business.”

Isaiah Muhammad

Isaiah is a senior cellist. They began playing in eighth grade, then picked the instrument back up senior year.

Proudest Accomplishment:  “Getting 100 followers on my first art, I was really proud and happy that day.”

Favorite Part of Project 440 Programming:  Meeting so many new people!

When asked how Project 440 programming has impacted their life, Isaiah shares, “Being around so many musicians my age make me want to keep practicing and doing good has helped me a bit with my organization skills.”

In the future, Isaiah plans to go to college to study music and psychology. 

Lilly Johannan

Lilly is a sophomore, and plays viola and piano. She says music has opened the door for her to a special community of friends and mentors.

When asked what pushes her to continue to play music, even as she navigates the barriers posed by COVID-19, Lilly responded, “Music isn't always about the reward. This whole experience is teaching us more about how to be innovative with music. It's beneficial to learn through these hard processes. Some people don't get these opportunities in the first place, and through COVID, we're learning to appreciate all that we had and will have again." 

How Project 440 programming has impacted her life: “Doing Good has allowed me to understand the potential of helping my community through music, and my future goals.”

In the future, Lilly plans to continue to play viola and piano through high school and college, participate in auditions, and to use what she has learned through Project 440 as she navigates her musical journey.

Divine Epps

Divine is a junior cellist. Divine is a PMAY Artist and has been playing cello for about eight years.

Proudest Accomplishments:  Being accepted to the Philadelphia High School for Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA) and getting to do a masterclass with Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

Favorite Part of Project 440 Programming:  “My favorite part of working with Project 440 is meeting new people and becoming friends with many of them. I also think collaborating with peers has been one of my favorite parts.”

When asked about how Project 440 impacted her life, Divine shares, “Project 440's community has supported me, as an individual and musician, by encouraging me to be louder and slowly helping me with my confidence. It has impacted my life in a way where I am able to interact with more peers and has given me more ways to help my community.”

What does Divine want our donors to know? “This program helps people make relationships with new people and pushes others to get out of their comfort zone.”

Fun Facts:  Divine enjoys playing Sims, watching TikTok, and baking.

Leandra Profitt

Leandra is a junior who has been playing violin for seven years, and guitar for two.

Proudest Accomplishment:   Being accepted to the Philadelphia High School for Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA).

Favorite Part of Project 440 Programming:  Getting to meet and work with new people.

When asked about how Project 440 impacted her life, Leandra shares, “Project 440 has impacted my life by giving me something to invest in and learn from. I want people to know how much Project 440 impacts its participants.”

In the future, Leandra plans to attend and graduate from college.

Trifena Tanisya

Trifena is a sophomore violinist and singer. She has always been a singer, and recently began picked back up the violin after starting high school. She is a part of her church’s praise and worship team and the Girard Academy Music Program’s (GAMP) Concert Choir.

Trifena’s favorite part of Project 440 programming: “Meeting new people was a small fear of mine, but it ended up being the reason I looked forward to going to each session.”

When asked about how Project 440 programming has impacted her life, Trifena shares, “It has taught me selflessness and leadership. I learned many things from each and every one of my peers.”

In the future, Trifena wants those around her to be happy. She plans to go to a good college and raise a family.

Fun facts: She loves Squishmallows and K-dramas!

Jayla Jones

Jayla is a freshman cellist who has been playing for four years. She plays both for fun and for self-improvement, and is a PMAY Artist.

Proudest musical accomplishment: Memorizing the Bach Cello Courante.

Jayla’s favorite part of Project 440 programming: is collaborating with her classmates.

When asked about how Project 440 impacted her life, Jayla shares, “Everyone in Project 440's programming has supported me as a musician. Project 440 impacted my life by providing many resources to gain more knowledge and grow as a musician.”

What does Jayla want our donors to know? “I want them to know that every donation put into Project 440 is proved worth it by the students and families that participate. We appreciate it! It has been less challenging during this pandemic being a part of this online program because I am socializing and interacting with people in a safe way. I'm learning things that allow me to become a better person.”

In the future, Jayla plans to become a biomedical engineer, and to be a cellist on the side who helps increase diversity in orchestras. 

Fun facts: For fun, Jayla likes to draw, read, watch anime, and learn cello covers for popular songs!

Patricia Harden

Patricia began playing the violin in school six years ago, but has since worked to take it to a more serious level outside of the classroom. She is most proud of her first performance.

When asked about her work with Project 440, Patricia shares, “My favorite part is being able to meet so many students with different backgrounds and overall, making friends. The Doing Good Program allows me to share my ideas of how I want to make music a business and meet a group that’s right for my idea.”

What does Patricia want our donors to know? “As an individual and a musician, Project 440 has given me new opportunities to spread myself and music in unique ways. Project 440 gave music a new meaning in my life.”

Patrick Cannon

Patrick is a sophomore saxophone & oboe player is most proud of his ability to push himself and try new things.

When asked about his work with Project 440, Patrick shares,  “I love the community me and my peers have. It's been great meeting other musicians and working with some of them in our project. Coming to class each Monday & Thursday to such an open community really helped boost my spirits after long draining days at school. It also opened my eyes to how if you have an idea, you can make it a reality.”

What does Patrick want our donors to know? “Project 440’s Doing Good program is all about.. well Doing Good! It's for a really good cause.”

Check back throughout our December Giving Campaign to read about more of our incredible students!

2020 Virtual College Fair for Musicians Goes Virtual With 400 Attendees

“What do you wish you knew about auditioning?” “Do you have any recommendations for someone looking to explore different subjects in college, both within and outside of music?” “Do you wish you had more time to relax?” These questions and so many more were answered at Project 440’s Annual College Fair for Musicians.

From November 10-12, 400 attendees came together to attend the Project 440 Virtual College Fair for Musicians. With over a dozen speakers and panelists and 67 exhibitors from across 26 states, attendees discussed college applications, majoring in music, professional development, and navigating the application process during a global pandemic. Sessions included Essay and Resume Writing, Audition Psychology, The HBCU Experience, a What I Wish I Knew panel, and an additional array of personal and professional development sessions.

During the Wednesday exhibitor session, students had the opportunity to speak with representatives from colleges and universities around the country and have their questions about applications, auditions, student life, and more, answered.

The keynote address featured Village of Arts and Humanities’ Director of Learning, and Project 440 Board member, Michael O’Bryan. In addition to his work and time with Project 440, O’Bryan is an Innovation Fellow at Drexel University’s Lindy Institute for Urban Development, sits on the boards of the Samuel S. Fels Fund and Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and is the founder of Humanature. He has served on faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music since 2019.

In addition to workshops and the exhibitor session, students had an opportunity to earn “points” toward prizes and enter giveaways — offering an incentive for students to stay engaged even in an online environment.

Students interested in the arts require special, industry-specific guidance on the college application and audition process — guidance that can be difficult to access even in the absence of a pandemic. Project 440 is thrilled to have been able to provide another year of engaging, informative workshops and meetings for students as they navigate the application process during the time of COVID-19.

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 Students Making A Difference

Project 440 helps young people use their interest in music to forge new pathways for themselves and ignite change in their communities. Doing Good is just one of the many ways we engage with students to achieve this mission. 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.

One of the results of Doing Good is the creation and implementation of community service projects. The second half of the curriculum focuses on developing and implementing these projects with students joining into groups to make meaningful change in their community. Check out the 2019-20 student projects!

Festival Ambiental

Through a multi-disciplinary and cross-genre live presentation to local youth, Festival Ambiental developed a program to educate young people about the mistreatment of the environment–providing young people with knowledge and tools to help our environment.

Finding Your Note

To prevent young people from spending their time in dangerous parts of their community, Finding Your Note provided an after-school program to allow young people to find passion and identity by learning about and experiencing different types of musical genres.

Generation Music+ (GM+)

With the guidance and oversight of their partner organization, Generation Music, GM+ developed a program for preschool students that included an interactive workshop and performance to bring students exposure to orchestral instruments and music.

New Melodies

New Melodies’ mission is to provide children diagnosed with mental illness a musical outlet, concentrating on instruments that are accessible from the onset, such as percussion, ukulele, and electric piano. New Melodies provided lesson plans and instruments to interested schools and music programs.

Kintan Silvany, a recent Doing Good graduate and member of Project 440’s Youth Advocacy Council, was interviewed to learn more about her experience in Doing Good.

Q: What was your project and what was the mission you aimed to accomplish?
A: I joined Generation Music for their second year and our mission was to teach music education at schools where kids have no access to it.

Q: How was your project meaningful to you?
A: I loved working with kids and teaching. It’s nice teaching the next generation about music so we can say that classical music isn’t dying! 

Q: What was the most important skill/lesson you learned in Doing Good?
A: I learned that I wasn’t that bad at teaching and that my public speaking wasn’t as bad as I thought! It has definitely improved and without Doing Good, I have been as prepared.

Q: What was your favorite part about Doing Good?
A: My favorite part was meeting and working with new people. I also loved learning entrepreneurial skills which I can apply to scholarships. 

Q: What is one thing you would tell a student who is thinking about participating in Doing Good?
A: Go for it! As a musician, learning more skills is a plus. You’ll get more money and you can have a side hustle. 

Whether it’s through music performances, teaching, protecting our environment, or standing up for something they believe in, Project 440 aims to empower students to make meaningful change in their community. We need your support to help fund our students' service projects. Without it, none of this would be possible.

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The Youth Advocacy Council Presents "Music in Color"

Project 440 is very excited to announce the launch of a student run series titled Music in Color. The series is led by our Youth Advocacy Council (YAC), consisting of alumni of Project 440 programs, the School District of Philadelphia, and other young leaders from throughout the region with a passion for music education. Participants meet monthly and receive leadership, project management, governance and advocacy training.

The mission of YAC is to use peer to peer influence to ensure diverse representation in Project 440’s programs and to provide feedback on program content. YAC envisions a world where all students in Philadelphia can grow and are supported in achieving music literacy. Your support is what makes programs like YAC possible. During the month of August, all contributions will be matched thanks to a generous challenge gift.

Below is an interview with the creative mind who pitched and is leading Music in Color, Myles Bell. Myles is a senior violinist and is a new member of the Youth Advocacy Council.

Q: What is Music in Color and what does it aim to accomplish?
A: Music in Color is a forum where musicians of color can get together and have conversations about race, representation, and diversity in classical music. By having these conversations, we can develop methods for change in the classical music field.

Q: What inspired you to start this initiative?
A: I wanted to start this initiative because I longed to share my experience as a musician of color with others. I knew I wasn’t the only musician feeling this way, so I decided to reach out to a few friends of mine and start the conversation.

Q: What are you most excited for?
I’m most excited for the initiative to grow! Hopefully it can grow to the point where musicians from across the country can get together and work towards change.

Q: When does Music in Color launch?
A: Music in Color launches in the fall, hopefully in September, with meetings every month. Stay tuned for more details.

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A Letter From Joseph Conyers to Project 440 Students and More

The following letter was posted on social media on June 2nd as a response to #BlackOutTuesday, a social media movement aimed to bring light to the events plaguing our nation. The letter is Joseph's response to a discussion he had with Project 440 students and alumni.

Dear Students:

I spoke with some of you recently about all that’s been going on in our world. It’s overwhelming; it’s frightening. It's sad.

I also mentioned I’ve never been a fan of using social media to make “statements.”  Those platforms can be such caustic and combative environments; I choose to stay out of the noise. My "statements," instead, are lived daily; action is how I respond to adversity. That said, I'm not blind to what’s going on in our country; I’m also not surprised by it. It's why I write to you now.

As a black man, I’ve had my share of experiences that have upset me and a few that have scared me a bit, too. Our world is far from perfect, and while that’s no excuse for injustice, it’s been the dark reality in this country for hundreds of years. It’s why the heinous and untimely deaths of our black brothers and sisters hurt so much.

When faced with challenges - there are many ways one might respond. One might feel anger. One might feel rage. One might want to crawl up into a ball and cry, and that’s okay. I’m certainly not going to tell you how you should feel or how you should react - that’s personal. We all grieve in different ways. 

While you may not have seen me protesting in the streets, I've been actively protesting for years. The sign I carry is the color of my skin, and my message to the world has been my advocacy for you.

We want the world to be perfect. It isn’t.  We want the world to be full of love; sometimes all we might see is hate.

But, stand firm.

To my black students, don’t be discouraged. Walk with your heads held high.  Our ancestors survived the insurvivable, and their blood runs through our veins. Our lives do matter. Let your light shine as a daily reminder to all.

Let music be your inspiration.  Bring your authentic selves to the concert hall - unabashedly. Music belongs to all of us. Music making is a celebration of our individual and shared experiences in the world. You have a place on that stage. Claim your spot; own it.

Practice boldly (and often 😉). Lead by example. Use your art to tell your story. Stand up for what is right; don’t settle. You can’t make others love you, but you can inspire them with how you love others. Don’t rewrite the narrative, write your own books. Provide pathways for those who can’t forge a path of their own. Advocate for each other. 

Be a good person.

When feeling powerless to make change in the world, start by sowing your own seeds of goodness for the future. You can make a difference.

Love hard; play hard; and know that y’all make me proud every day.

Love,
Mr. Conyers

Project 440 Completes Virtual Summer Camp in Partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic

In June 2020, Project 440 launched Project 440: Online, a virtual summer camp, in partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s YOLA National (Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles). We are thrilled to announce that the camp was a huge success and included nearly 100 students from 16 different states across the country. The camp was a huge success for all involved: students, parents, and teaching artists. Check out a few of these comments!

• “I really enjoyed the thoughtful discussions that I had with my TA and small group. Before starting this program, I was kind of going crazy with all of the current events… I found myself feeling powerless to make a change in communities consisting of BIPOC (Black & Indigenous People of Color). I finally feel like I have the tools in order to work towards making an impact within my community even if it takes years, I know I will do it.”
  - Student

• “They are learning so much each week, and are feeling very inspired about their future. They really enjoy their small group sessions because it's more one-on-one learning and it's easier to communicate… This is a great program for my kids and I would love for them to come back next year.  Thank you for giving them the opportunity to participate in this program.”
  - Parent

• “Project 440 should be a requirement for all high school and college music students. There is nothing more powerful than equipping young people with the skills to re-frame their strengths and passions to do good and give back to their community.”
  - Teaching Artist

Pictured: Teaching Artist, Hanul Park, leads her student group during their Friday breakout session, reviewing the topics discussed throughout the week.

As part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s YOLA At Home program, the Project 440 Team and program alumni hosted a session describing how our unique youth development curriculum uplifts and builds agency in the young people we serve. Claire Casanova, a Project 440 alumna, shared “Project 440 gave me a chance to use my own voice and talent—not just to entertain, but to help others.”

Throughout August, all donations up to our $10,000 goal will be matched by a generous donor and our Board of Directors. We need your support to continue making this positive and essential impact in young people’s lives. Click the button below to donate and click the video below to watch our full presentation on Project 440’s mission and programming.

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What is Resilience to You?

What is Resilience to You?

Project 440 launched our annual fiscal year-end campaign and we are honored to announce the support of an anonymous donor and the Project 440 Board of Directors! The group pledged to match up to $10,000 of donations received during the month of August. This means that your donation makes DOUBLE the impact in supporting Project 440’s mission to help young people use their interest in music to forge new pathways for themselves and ignite change in their communities.

2020 has been a year full of challenges. Despite those challenges, Project 440 has been dedicated to providing young musicians with the skills and tools they need to succeed. The pandemic, coupled with recent social unrest, has motivated Project 440 more than ever to fulfill our mission while exploring new ways to engage young musicians in this time of need. Project 440 has been resilient, our students have been resilient. Together, through resilience, we are able not only to survive, but thrive in the world today.

We were interested to hear from our students on their thoughts about resilience. So we asked them, “What is Resilience to You?” You can watch and listen to their responses in the video below.

Throughout the month of August, we will continue to highlight the resilience of the Project 440 Family: the students, staff, board, and our community at large. We need your support to continue offering our essential programming to the people who need it the most, the youth. You can donate now and double your impact by clicking here.