The mission of Boston Music Project is to ensure the long-term social and musical success of our students, and to positively impact them, their families, and the community through quality education and performance. JQOP is inspired by El Sistema, the Venezuelan initiative that uses music education as a vehicle for social change within underserved communities. Founded in 2011, JQOP provides over seven hours of weekly general music, orchestral, and choral instruction to students in pre-kindergarten through seventh grade from Josiah Quincy Elementary and Upper Schools. Through the creation of a fun and nurturing musical environment, students learn valuable social skills, including perseverance, responsibility, and teamwork. By offering an intensive orchestral experience to young children, JQOP strives to give each child a positive community that he or she will want to be a part of all the way through his or her formative middle and high school years. The orchestra program welcomes any Josiah Quincy Elementary School student to participate, regardless of musical ability, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or any other aspect. Music lessons and instrument rentals can be very costly for families, especially those with limited means. We strive to level the playing field and share our program with all children. The El Sistema philosophy of having students help each other through the music-learning process is at the heart of our mission, and as a result, through our program we are creating not only great musicians, but also caring individuals who will grow up to be active members of their society. Josiah Quincy Orchestra Program has a structured Music Mentorship program that encourages teamwork and peer teaching between the five different orchestra levels. Starting at the middle school level, students will learn leadership and teaching skills.