Boston Raising Powerful Musicians
Empowering youth through music since 2010!
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
The social-emotional objectives of GRCB’s programming extend far beyond musicianship. Studies show that between the ages of 8 and 14, girls’ confidence levels fall by 30 percent. This is evidenced by unwillingness to take risks, to try something new, to fail (Shipman, Kay, Riley, 2018) We use music creation as the vehicle to encourage self-discovery through hands-on experience and risk-taking while immersed in a supportive community of peers and mentors. The opportunity to take on, and succeed at, a seemingly impossible challenge of learning how to play an instrument, write a song and perform in front of hundreds of people in one week allows them to develop a sense of confidence that will carry over into other aspects of their lives. As one participant remarked on her experience at GRCB, “I will now be way more confident and be less apologetic and shy, and more outgoing and willing to try new things and show the world who I am!”
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Youth Summer Sessions
Boston RPM serves approximately 70 girls and gender-expansive youth ages 8-17 over two one-week sessions in July and August. Through a partnership with The Record Co., this program takes place in the NewMarket neighborhood of Boston, equipped with state-of-the-art practice studios. During these sessions, youth learn to play an instrument (bass, guitar, drums, keyboard, or vocals), form a band, write an original song, and perform live at Brighton Music Hall. They also attend daily self-esteem building and empowerment workshops, including Media Literacy, Gender Justice, and Imposter Monster. Youth also explore other artistic mediums in our ‘Zine-Making and Screenprinting workshops. Adult female and gender-expansive musicians volunteer their time, providing instrument instruction and serving as Band Coaches, Band Managers, and Gear and Support Crew each day. After five days of practice and collaboration, the bands perform in front of a live audience at a local music venue.
Youth Summer Volunteer Program
Our intern program is for girls and gender-expansive teens ages 16-18 who have previously participated in at least one Boston RPM session, demonstrate exceptional maturity and commitment to the mission of Boston RPM, and are interested in experiencing BRPM in a new way. Youth volunteers assist with instrument instruction, band practice, assemblies, and act as support volunteers. Like the youth campers, they form a band and play as the opening act at the Showcase. A volunteer Youth Leader helps the group develop and lead a workshop. During the workshop, they lead activities and facilitate discussions. This program allows us to continue to engage girls and build their leadership and mentoring abilities.
BRPM Adult Weekend Sessions
Programming for Adult Weekend Sessions is similar to our Youth Summer Session — women and gender-expansive adults 21 and over receive instrument instruction, form a band, attend workshops, write an original song, and perform it at a live showcase at a local music venue at the end of the 3-day session. This program serves 70+ women and gender-expansive adults through two annual sessions in March and November, and takes place at The Record Co on Mass Ave in Boston. Programming is delivered by female and gender-expansive volunteers and Boston RPM staff.
BRPM BEATS
In 2016, Boston RPM piloted a new program aimed at reaching girls within the Greater Boston area public schools, Building Electronic Art Together in Schools (BEATS). Our programming in schools uses art, music education, and performance to help girls grow measurably in confidence, self-expression, peer support, and collaboration skills. In our after school program we are making music electronically, connecting our youth to technology and expanding their 21st century skills. Every girl and gender-expansive youth and will form a band, collaboratively write an original song and perform at a culminating community event. Workshops held during BEATS provide opportunities to learn a diverse set of skills from local women and gender-expansive adults while youth get to see a wide range of possible careers while watching them model how they support other women, girls, and gender-expansive youth and adults.
Where we work
Awards
Affiliations & memberships
Anna B Stearns Charitable Foundation Sylvia Simmons Best Practices Award 2017
External reviews
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
GRCB is a volunteer-driven music and mentorship organization that offers year-round programming to girls, women, trans and gender non-conforming youth and adults in the Boston area. We believe that in order to become leaders in a world that frequently minimizes the voices of girls and gender minorities, these youth need an enriching environment with positive mentors to encourage a healthy sense of self and confidence in their abilities. We are building a supportive community in Boston that uses hands-on music education and performance as a vehicle to encourage confidence and collaboration while fostering creativity and self-expression.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Boston Raising Powerful Musicians
Board of directorsas of 07/19/2023
Jaime Lederer
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Not applicable