JOMP, celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, was founded in the fall of 1986 by its current director as a program of music & movement classes for preschoolers.

• The school was incorporated as a non-profit organization in November 1989 to meet the growing community demand, to raise funds for financial aid, and to develop a lasting community music school.
• Enrollment grew rapidly from its initial 12 students to over 500 students by 1997.
• Recorder Classes were added in 1988 and Private Lessons began in 1989.
• In the early 1990’s the Dance, Afro-caribbean Drumming and Chorus programs were added. For the past 10 years, Ensembles have been available to enhance what students learn in their Private Lessons.

By 1999, the school had outgrown the space available at the First Unitarian Church, where it was a tenant.

• Waiting lists were growing and over 200 people a year were being turned away.
• In June 2000, JOMP was seriously impacted by a devastating fire at the church. The school had to relocate, resulting in further loss of space.
• For 18 months the school faced the enormous challenge of continuing operations while spread out in three churches.
• In December 2000, the Joy of Music Program embarked on its first capital campaign and purchased its own building.
• Renovations started in April, 2001 and the school opened in its new site on January 3, 2002.
• A vacant, rundown building is now a beautiful new cultural resource for the community, with ample space to realize the school’s ten-year projections for growth.

Our Financial Aid and Outreach Program is at the heart of our mission:

• An average of $93,000 awarded in each of the last 3 years to 85-90 low and lower-middle income students.
• This year’s goal is $102,000 to assist 90 to 95 students.

JOMPATHON (January 26, 2008 was our 17th) is a marathon recital and fundraiser for Financial Aid, for which students gather sponsors. It celebrates their progress while highlighting our commitment to accessibility regardless of income. The faculty’s excellence is evident throughout the day in their enthusiastic presence and rapport with their students and in the high level of musicianship displayed by even the youngest performers.

JUNE STUDENT RECITALS are another highly anticipated performance opportunity. Nearly 100% of our instrumental and dance students participated in 24 recitals over 3 weeks in May and June, 2007. Additional ensemble recitals occur throughout the year. WAITING ROOM CONCERTS treat parents and students in the lobby to spontaneous performances as teachers bring students out during their lessons to perform their most recent pieces.

• Catalogue for Philanthropy (1997 & 2006) − " . . . a gem of a community school."
• YWCA of Central Massachusetts − " . . . a cultural treasure in the community." Director Wendy Ardizzone received the 2002 Katharine F. Erskine Award in Arts & Humanities.
• Worcester Telegram & Gazette − ". . . excellence and community spirit."

• Nearly 1 out of every 5 students receives financial aid while attending JOMP.
• Over $880,000 in financial aid has been raised and awarded to hundreds of students since 1992.

• Last year (FY 2007) 25 JOMP students participated in the Central District Music Festivals.
• 3 JOMP students from this group were selected for All State.

• Students majoring in music are accepted at some of the finest music schools in the nation:

Juilliard School of Music New England Conservatory of Music Longy School of Music

Eastman School of Music Oberlin Conservatory of Music Hartt School of Music

Manhattan School of Music Thornton School of Music - U.So.Cal New School of Jazz (NYC)

Peabody Conservatory of Music Berklee College of Music Plymouth State Univ. (NH)

Boston University College of Fine Arts Dave Brubeck Institute of the University of the Pacific

• JOMP alumni not majoring in music are participating in college orchestras, jazz ensembles, bands and choruses across the country, including:

Dartmouth College Boston College Smith College

Notre Dame University University of Chicago Northeastern University

Cornell University Stanford University Brown University

Worcester Polythechnic Inst. University of Richmond Swarthmore College

• Many alumni who went on to major in music at college received financial aid at JOMP.

• Our students are also being accepted into first-class summer programs, including the Tanglewood Institute, Killington Music Festival (VT) and Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music (NH).

• Creative Arts (Dance, Singing and Drumming) for adolescent girls from Grace House in recovery and treatment for alcohol and substance abuse (in its 2^nd year).
• Drum & Dance workshop for deaf and special needs students it the Worcester Public Schools (2002 - 2005).
• Elder Drumming at the Lutheran Home (in its 8th year).
• Summer Creative Arts at Worcester Arts Magnet School using dance, drama, chorus, drumming and health classes in a drug abuse prevention program with 4th to 6th grades (summer, 2005).
• Over 70 student & faculty performances a year, in the community and at the school, reach a combined audience of over 11,000 people.

• Faculty perform at JOMP and in 15 to 20 Worcester Public Schools each year (funded by the Music Guild of Music Worcester)
• Students perform at local nursing homes, Chamber of Commerce events, Tower Hill Holly Days, First Night Worcester, Worcester Cultural Coalition and United Way functions as well as many other community, foundation and corporate events.