PROJECT BRIDGE

In 2004-05 Bloomingdale launched Project Bridge, a partnership initiative which supports existing instrumental programs in New York City public secondary schools in economically challenged neighborhoods. Students selected for the program are members of ensembles in their public schools. They receive free private lessons throughout the year on their instrument at Bloomingdale. This training allows them to improve the ensembles in their schools. Ultimately, Project Bridge is a seeding process—Bloomingdale plants musical knowledge in these students who in turn assist in the growth of the orchestras and bands at their schools. In its first year, nine students were admitted to Project Bridge with the five-year goal of growing the program to serve 30 students each year.