Boston String Academy Inc
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162 Boylston Street, Suite 69 Boston, MA 02116 |
[P] (617) 7806728 [F] -- |
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www.bostonstringacademy.org [email protected] Marielisa Alvarez |
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INCORPORATED: 2014
Printable Profile (Summary / Full) EIN 46-1423890 |
LAST UPDATED: 11/21/2016 |
| Organization DBA | -- |
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| Former Names | -- |
| Organization received a competitive grant from the Boston Foundation in the past five years | No |
Summary
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Mission StatementMORE »Our mission is to provide a vibrant string program for inner-city young students, offering high quality string instrument instruction, using standards that will give them the necessary skills to build a strong foundation in their musical growth. To offer many performance opportunities, master classes, lessons and ensemble settings, which will enable students to build self-confidence, discipline, commitment, social skills, and other fundamental values essential to every child’s development. To forge social integration through music by creating a path for young people to become sensitive, responsible and creative human beings.
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Mission StatementOur mission is to provide a vibrant string program for inner-city young students, offering high quality string instrument instruction, using standards that will give them the necessary skills to build a strong foundation in their musical growth. To offer many performance opportunities, master classes, lessons and ensemble settings, which will enable students to build self-confidence, discipline, commitment, social skills, and other fundamental values essential to every child’s development. To forge social integration through music by creating a path for young people to become sensitive, responsible and creative human beings.
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Financials
| Fiscal Year | July 01, 2015 to June 30, 2016 |
|---|---|
| Projected Income | $164,410.00 |
| Projected Expense | $160,072.00 |
Programs
- String Orchestra Program
Revenue vs. Expense ($000s)
Expense Breakdown 2015 (%)
Expense Breakdown 2014 (%)
Expense Breakdown 2013 (%)
For more details regarding the organization's financial information, select the financial tab and review available comments.
Overview
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a vibrant string program for inner-city young students, offering high quality string instrument instruction, using standards that will give them the necessary skills to build a strong foundation in their musical growth. To offer many performance opportunities, master classes, lessons and ensemble settings, which will enable students to build self-confidence, discipline, commitment, social skills, and other fundamental values essential to every child’s development. To forge social integration through music by creating a path for young people to become sensitive, responsible and creative human beings.
Background Statement
BSA was founded in November, 2012 by Marielisa and Mariesther Alvarez, two accomplished violinists who are also graduates of Venezuela’s “El Sistema”. In El Sistema, teachers are often former students of the program which certainly speaks to its ability to instill humanistic
connections and music learning in its students. The Alvarez sisters live both the social and musical mission of El Sistema — they felt the need to create a program in Boston that models their El Sistema experience, a program that nurtures both the individual person and the musician at the same time. With the help of interested parents and community members, the Alvarez sisters found rehearsal space at the Boston Children’s Chorus studio in Chinatown and the Gardner Pilot Academy in Allston. BSA serves 80 inner-city students grades K-2 to 7th grade from two communities.
The learning in BSA is based in ensemble experience, with an individual attention component. The orchestra acts as a model society in which an atmosphere of competition between individuals is replaced by shared aspiration and investment. In ensemble training, students are guided by teachers, and also assist one another in musical learning and achievement through peer-mentoring.
Students’ primary musical identification is as an ensemble member. Emphasis is placed on creating a community that supports one another. Teachers and students alike are invested in both personal and community success, creating a place where children feel safe and challenged. Students build a sense of capability, endurance and resilience — owning a confidence about taking on enormous challenges in their lives. A deep sense of value, of being loved and appreciated, and a trust for group process and cooperation, enables them to feel that future achievement is within their reach.
BSA is a social change/youth development program that uses ensemble music to enable every child to experience being an asset within her or his community. We develop citizens not musicians, who exhibit the core values of teamwork, commitment, respect, and empathy. Students thereby take responsibility for the music making process, both individual and group improvement.
Impact Statement
Accomplishments:
1. BSA was awarded three grants from Massachusetts Cultural Council, Harvard Allston Partnership Fund, Boston Cultural Council.
2. BSA duplicated the student body at the Allston program.
3. 100% of our 6th grade students got accepted into the top Boston exam schools.
4. BSA will send a selection of students to participate in the first National Youth Orchestra of El Sistema-inspired programs called National Take a Stand Festival organized by Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Goals:
1. Expand our student body
2. Expand human resources of BSA.
3. Identify performance opportunities and tours on a local and national level.
Needs Statement
1. Teaching and rehearsal space for the downtown/chinatown program.
2. Human Resources: administrative assistant, marketing developer, development expert.
3. Scholarship Fund
CEO Statement
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Board Chair Statement
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Geographic Area Served
City of Boston- Allston/ Brighton
City of Boston- Downtown
City of Boston- South End/Bay Village
GREATER BOSTON REGION, MA
City of Boston- Chinatown/ Leather District
BSA currently serves the communities of Chinatown and Allston.
Organization Categories
- Arts,Culture & Humanities - Music
- Education - Elementary & Secondary Schools
- Youth Development -
Independent research has been conducted on this organization's theory of change or on the effectiveness of this organization's program(s)
No
Programs
String Orchestra Program
Students experience group, ensemble and individual lessons on a weekly basis, masterclasses with renowned guest artists several times per year, solo and ensemble performances in different halls in Boston and other cities throughout the year. They all participate in collaborating performances with the students from our two sites for the end of the semester concerts. They also participate in collaborating activities and and performances with students from other El Sistema inspired programs in Massachusetts, such as: the Annual El Sistema Showcase, performance in Pittsfield with Kids for Harmony students, Day of Joy in Somerville, Sistema Side by Side organized by Longy School of Music, El Sistema Summer Academy, among others. Students receive daily group and orchestral instruction. In addition they all receive an individual lesson once a week. |
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| Budget | $300,000.00 |
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| Category | Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Music |
| Population Served | K-12 (5-19 years) Minorities |
| Program Short-Term Success | Academic performance: Improvements in GPA, increased number of Honors classes in both programs and acceptances into exam schools. They show proficiency in music theory, rhythmic skills, ear training, Solfege reading and singing, music history, instrument technical skills as assessed by teachers’ observations, quizzes and survey data shows maturity in their interactions with their instructors, visiting artists and peers as assessed by teacher feedback in meetings and observations. 90% BSA attendance and punctuality, and therefore improved school attendance Parents and teachers report that children feel motivated, encouraged, proud of themselves, trusted, challenged, confident, sensitive. They behave better at home and at school. We will implement surveys to students and parents starting in the fall to document these developments. |
| Program Long-Term Success | Develop lifelong learners with multiple intelligences. Prepare students for advanced study or careers in music Strong foundation for musical growth. Students build self-confidence, discipline, persistence, and social skills. Empower children from underserved neighborhoods to become vital citizens, leaders, and agents of change. Improve academic achievement. |
| Program Success Monitored By | -- |
| Examples of Program Success | A handful of world renowned musicians have praised the artistic level of Boston String Academy students. Among these artist are Midori Goto (international concert violinist), Gustavo Dudamel (music director of Los Angeles Philharmonic), Jose Antonio Abreu (Founder of Venezuelan Youth Orchestra program better known as El Sistema), David Ying (cellist of Grammy-Award winning Ying Quartet), Lynn Chang (winner of Paganini Competition and faculty at The Boston Conservatory), Edicson Ruiz (International double bass soloist and member of the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic). |
CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments
| -- |
Management
| CEO/Executive Director | Ms. Marielisa Alvarez |
|---|---|
| CEO Term Start | Nov 2012 |
| CEO Email | [email protected] |
| CEO Experience | -- |
| Co-CEO | Ms. Mariesther Alvarez |
| Co-CEO Term Start | Nov 2012 |
| Co-CEO Email | [email protected] |
| Co-CEO Experience | -- |
Former CEOs and Terms
| Name | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | -- |
Senior Staff
| Name | Title | Experience/Biography |
|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | -- |
Awards
| Award | Awarding Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | -- |
Affiliations
| Affiliation | Year |
|---|---|
| -- | -- |
| Member of state association of nonprofits? | No |
|---|---|
| Name of state association | -- |
External Assessments and Accreditations
| External Assessment or Accreditation | Year |
|---|---|
| -- | -- |
Collaborations
--
CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments
--
Foundation Comments
--
Staff Information
| Number of Full Time Staff | 0 |
|---|---|
| Number of Part Time Staff | 3 |
| Number of Volunteers | 6 |
| Number of Contract Staff | 5 |
| Staff Retention Rate % | -- |
Staff Demographics
| Ethnicity | African American/Black: 0 Asian American/Pacific Islander: 1 Caucasian: 1 Hispanic/Latino: 5 Native American/American Indian: 0 Other: 1 Other (if specified): -- |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female: 5 Male: 8 Not Specified 0 |
Plans & Policies
| Organization has Fundraising Plan? | Under Development |
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| Organization has Strategic Plan? | Under Development |
| Years Strategic Plan Considers | -- |
| Management Succession Plan | -- |
| Business Continuity of Operations Plan | -- |
| Organization Policies And Procedures | Under Development |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Under Development |
| Whistle Blower Policy | No |
| Document Destruction Policy | -- |
| Directors and Officers Insurance Policy | Yes |
| State Charitable Solicitations Permit | -- |
| State Registration | -- |
Risk Management Provisions
| -- |
Reporting and Evaluations
| Management Reports to Board? | Yes |
|---|---|
| CEO Formal Evaluation and Frequency | N/A N/A |
| Senior Management Formal Evaluation and Frequency | N/A N/A |
| Non Management Formal Evaluation and Frequency | N/A N/A |
Governance
| Board Chair | Dr Erik Gregory |
|---|---|
| Board Chair Company Affiliation | Harvard Humanist Hub |
| Board Chair Term | Nov 2012 - |
| Board Co-Chair | -- |
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| Board Co-Chair Company Affiliation | -- |
| Board Co-Chair Term | - |
Board Members
| Name | Company Affiliations | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Erik Gregory | Harvard Humanist Hub | Voting |
| Gregory Karas | Mount Ida College | Voting |
| Taide Prieto | Longy School of Music | Voting |
| Maria Rodman | Boys and Girls Clubs of Farmington | Voting |
Constituent Board Members
| Name | Company Affiliations | Status |
|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | -- |
Youth Board Members
| Name | Company Affiliations | Status |
|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | -- |
Advisory Board Members
| Name | Company Affiliations | Status |
|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | -- |
Board Demographics
| Ethnicity | African American/Black: 0 Asian American/Pacific Islander: 0 Caucasian: 2 Hispanic/Latino: 2 Native American/American Indian: 0 Other: 0 Other (if specified): -- |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female: 2 Male: 2 Not Specified 0 |
Board Information
| Board Term Lengths | -- |
|---|---|
| Board Term Limits | -- |
| Board Meeting Attendance % | -- |
| Written Board Selection Criteria | Under Development |
| Written Conflict Of Interest Policy | Under Development |
| Percentage of Monetary Contributions | 50% |
| Percentage of In-Kind Contributions | 100% |
| Constituency Includes Client Representation | No |
Standing Committees
-
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CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments
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Foundation Comments
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Financials
Revenue vs. Expense ($000s)
Expense Breakdown 2015 (%)
Expense Breakdown 2014 (%)
Expense Breakdown 2013 (%)
| Fiscal Year | July 01, 2015 to June 30, 2016 |
|---|---|
| Projected Income | $164,410.00 |
| Projected Expense | $160,072.00 |
| Form 990s | |
| Audit Documents | -- |
| IRS Letter of Exemption |
Prior Three Years Total Revenue and Expense Totals
| Fiscal Year | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $128,616 | $69,689 | $29,665 |
| Total Expenses | $110,783 | $69,684 | $24,220 |
Prior Three Years Revenue Sources
| Fiscal Year | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation and Corporation Contributions |
-- | -- | -- |
| Government Contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Federal | -- | -- | -- |
| State | -- | -- | -- |
| Local | -- | -- | -- |
| Unspecified | -- | -- | -- |
| Individual Contributions | $10,613 | $14,230 | $9,414 |
| Indirect Public Support | -- | -- | -- |
| Earned Revenue | $118,003 | $55,459 | -- |
| Investment Income, Net of Losses | -- | -- | -- |
| Membership Dues | -- | -- | $20,251 |
| Special Events | -- | -- | -- |
| Revenue In-Kind | -- | -- | -- |
| Other | -- | -- | -- |
Prior Three Years Expense Allocations
| Fiscal Year | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Expense | $85,000 | $55,000 | $20,000 |
| Administration Expense | $25,783 | $14,684 | $4,220 |
| Fundraising Expense | -- | -- | -- |
| Payments to Affiliates | -- | -- | -- |
| Total Revenue/Total Expenses | 1.16 | 1.00 | 1.22 |
| Program Expense/Total Expenses | 77% | 79% | 83% |
| Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Prior Three Years Assets and Liabilities
| Fiscal Year | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $23,283 | $5,450 | $5,445 |
| Current Assets | $23,283 | $5,450 | $5,445 |
| Long-Term Liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Current Liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Net Assets | $23,283 | $5,450 | $5,445 |
Prior Three Years Top Three Funding Sources
| Fiscal Year | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (Source and Amount) |
-- -- |
-- -- |
-- -- |
| 2nd (Source and Amount) |
-- -- |
-- -- |
-- -- |
| 3rd (Source and Amount) |
-- -- |
-- -- |
-- -- |
Financial Planning
| Endowment Value | -- |
|---|---|
| Spending Policy | -- |
| Percentage(If selected) | -- |
| Credit Line | No |
| Reserve Fund | Yes |
| How many months does reserve cover? | -- |
Capital Campaign
| Are you currently in a Capital Campaign? | No |
|---|---|
| Capital Campaign Purpose | -- |
| Campaign Goal | -- |
| Capital Campaign Dates | - |
| Capital Campaign Raised-to-Date Amount | -- |
| Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years? | -- |
Short Term Solvency
| Fiscal Year | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities | -- | -- | -- |
Long Term Solvency
| Fiscal Year | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term Liabilities/Total Assets | 0% | 0% | 0% |
CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments
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Foundation Comments
Financial summary data in charts and graphs are per the organization's IRS Form 990s for fiscal years 2013 and 2014, and per the Form PC for fiscal year 2015.
Documents
Other Documents
| No Other Documents currently available. |
Impact
The Impact tab is a section on the Giving Common added in October 2013; as such the majority of nonprofits have not yet had the chance to complete this voluntary section. The purpose of the Impact section is to ask five deceptively simple questions that require reflection and promote communication about what really matters – results. The goal is to encourage strategic thinking about how a nonprofit will achieve its goals. The following Impact questions are being completed by nonprofits slowly, thoughtfully and at the right time for their respective organizations to ensure the most accurate information possible.
1. What is your organization aiming to accomplish?
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2. What are your strategies for making this happen?
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3. What are your organization’s capabilities for doing this?
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4. How will your organization know if you are making progress?
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5. What have and haven’t you accomplished so far?
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