On my way to work, I always listen to the radio.  Yesterday, I was listening to a story about a group of neighbors in Canada that put together a program for children between the ages of 4-6, entitled “Backyard Olympics”.  This got me thinking.  When did the need and desire for professional athletes outweigh the same for professional musicians?  Both music and sports are beneficial to our children.  One stimulates the body, the other stimulates the mind. 

The Young Classical Music Idol Competition and Festival can be compared to “Backyard Olympics”.  We are providing an environment to young musicians that prepare them for competition both in the music world, but in everyday life.  “Backyard Olympics” looks to train young children with the tenacity and vigor that they would find in serious competitions.  Here, we seek to do the same, but afford students, who might be a little more timid, the ability to perform on stage.  So, in a way, we offer the Olympics and Intramurals.

Young Classical Music Idol Competition and Festival is quickly gaining recognition throughout the region.  We have students from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and even Maryland.  I’ve talked with David Kim, concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, about this event and he is genuinely thrilled that we are offering this type of competition.

Canada might have the “Backyard Olympics”, but we have the only Young Classical Music Idol and Competition.