The lobby of the Josiah Quincy Elementary School (JQES) at 885 Washington Street was a happy whirlwind as parents and students, the children dressed in their finest, bustled around prior to the 6:30 PM curtain time of the JQES Orchestra Program's spring concert. Proud family and friends packed the auditorium to cheer on pre-kindergarten through fifth grade musicians as they performed an eclectic program of orchestral, solo and choral performances and music, and selections for every taste including Leonard Bernstein's "Make Our Garden Grow", Mussorgsky's "Great Gate of Kiev", Queen's "We Will Rock You" and Henry Mancini's "Pink Panther Theme".

Founded in 2011, JQES's orchestra program is based on El Sistema, an international music education format that strives to teach the life skills of perseverance, respect, responsibility and teamwork as well as music. The 115 students in the JQES orchestra program receive seven and one half hours per week of music instruction 35 weeks per year. In the coming school year, the orchestra program will expand into Josiah Quincy Upper School, providing pre-K through 12th grade music education. The orchestra program is taught by JQES staff with undergraduate and graduate-student teaching assistants from New England Conservatory of Music, Longy School of Music and the Boston Philharmonic's Crescendo program. Students pay $30 per week and participate for seven and one half hours per week, with need-based scholarships available at $10 per week. The program has both a short-term and long-term plan to ensure its sustainability, including its incorporation as a 501 (c)(3) with pro bono assistance from Foley and Hoag and a cap of 120 students due to space limitations. "We have a long waiting list and low turnover," principal Simon Ho said.

The JQES orchestra program grew out of a dream of principal Ho, a lifelong music lover whose family could not afford music lessons for him when he was a child in China. Acting on every parent's wish to give children what they did not have, Ho founded the orchestra program that would be affordable and give students the opportunity to learn music in a group setting. Ho's passion radiates when he talks about the orchestra program. "It's my baby. Music a lot of times is limited to people who can afford it. We wanted to do something in school that is affordable. I believe art and music should be accessible to everyone. Ho feels that the orchestra program is an essential part of a comprehensive education, and that it enhances learning of other subjects by teaching students, including those with learning disabilities, to sit quietly, focus and function as part of a group. "It fits into our philosophy of learning. [Learning] should start at a young age whether it's language, music or art. We want to make music appreciation long term."

JQES's arts programming continues on Thursday, April 9 at 6:00 PM with "Treasure of the Dragon", which features orchestra, choral, singing and dance performances. The orchestra program is also planning its final concert for the school year, the date to be announced. Both are free, open to the public and suitable for all ages.