It s more than a radio show... APPLY TO BE ON NPR S FROM THE TOP WITH HOST CHRISTOPHER O RILEY
What is From the Top? From the Top is America s largest national platform celebrating the stories, talents, and character of classically-trained young musicians. Through live events, radio and video broadcasts, scholarships, and leadership programs, we empower extraordinary young people to engage and inspire music lovers of all ages. What is NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley? NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley is the most popular weekly one-hour classical music program on public radio. It is heard by more than 500,000 listeners on 230+ stations nationwide. Who should apply? Eligible performers are between the ages of 8 and 18 and have not yet enrolled in a college or conservatory, and who live in or have a significant training connection in the US. From the Top s primary focus is to present music from the western classical tradition. However, we occasionally present music from other non-pop genres including folk music, world music, spirituals, and acoustic or piano jazz. From the Top features: Solo instrumentalists Vocalists Composers Small ensembles (eight members or fewer) Large ensembles (nine members or more) How to apply Go to www.fromthetop.org/apply for information, deadlines, and to apply online. There is a $55 application fee which may be paid online with a credit card. What s it like to be on From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley? It s a unique and fun opportunity to share music in a positive, non-competitive, environment. It s the chance to reach hundreds of thousands of listeners through a national radio broadcast. It s an opportunity to join an organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering young classically-trained musicians and to discover your own unique leadership path. But don t take it from us. Listen to what our alumni say... There are nine words that express the whole experience: The best experience I ever had in my life! OSCAR PAZ-SUAZNABAR 9-YEAR-OLD PIANIST CREDIT: CAITLIN CUNNINGHAM COVER CREDIT: CAITLIN CUNNINGHAM
Being a part of From the Top makes me feel like I can do ANYTHING. They encourage me to explore all music including fiddling and pop and inspire me to be the best musician I can be. The staff helps me find concrete ways to achieve my goals, like inviting me to record a music video of a Taylor Swift song for their YouTube Channel. CHARLOTTE MARCKX, 12-YEAR-OLD VIOLINIST Above: Charlotte performs at From the Top s YouTube video shoot. At right: Charlotte performs the first movement, Moderato, from the Violin Sonata No. 2 in D major, Op. 94 by Sergei Prokofiev during the live show recording in Storrs, Connecticut. Go to www.fromthetop.org to listen to Charlotte on NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley: Show 247. Using a variety of platforms and genres to expand the audience for classical music, From the Top performers like Charlotte continue to take part in From the Top s programs.
Each performer on From the Top takes part in an arts leadership outreach program led by From the Top s Education & Outreach team, where performers explore the impact their music can have in schools, community organizations, and assisted living centers. I could not have expected how much From the Top would continue to impact my life. When they say to take it beyond the concert hall, they mean it! I ve been inspired to strengthen my community through service opportunities like the arts leadership outreach that was part of the show. I can t express enough how grateful I am to be part of such a remarkable group. AUSTEN YUEH, 16-YEAR-OLD CLARINETIST Above: Austen performs the fourth movement, Molto allegro, from the Sonata in E-flat for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 167 by Camille Saint-Saëns during the live show recording in Mesa, Arizona. At left: Austen teaches a young girl about the clarinet during an outreach visit to the Boston Children s Museum. Go to www.fromthetop.org to listen to Austen on NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley: Show 269.
I m grateful to From the Top for its role in helping me define my work as an artist and a leader. This was an important component to becoming both a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and a Davidson Fellow in the same year. From the Top exposes young musicians to larger audiences, and helps expand the definition of art and our societal responsibility as musicians. JOE BROOM, 16-YEAR-OLD EUPHONIUM PLAYER Above: Joe, Host Christopher O Riley, and fellow performers smile for the camera after a live show recording in Greenville, South Carolina. At right: Joe performing Fantasy by Bruce Fraser. Go to www.fromthetop.org to listen to Joe on NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley: Show 298. Being a From the Top alum opens the door to other opportunities with foundations and arts organizations across the country, who look to From the Top to identify America s best young classical musicians.
CREDIT: MIKKI ANSIN Performing on the show was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I felt so proud to be a musician. ALEXIA DELGIUDICE-BIGARI 17-YEAR-OLD VIOLIST Great kids. Great music. Hope for the future. We believe that From the Top musicians represent a bright future for music. Their skill and talent astonishes audiences, and their dedication, hard work, and passion make them role models for all ages, deserving of public recognition. We also believe that 21 st century musicians can be leaders in their communities. We provide our young musicians encouragement and support to identify their unique leadership paths and create positive change through music. Join us. Apply today. My experience on the radio show gave me confidence that I could achieve anything. SANDRA BAILEY 18-YEAR-OLD BASSOONIST
Apply to be on NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley at www.fromthetop.org/apply FROM THE TOP 295 Huntington Avenue, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02115 www.fromthetop.org