A Far Cry Inc
Boston' Self-Conducted, Democratically-Run String Orchestra
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Jamaica Plain Concert Series
A Far Cry considers home to be Jamaica Plain, MA where the ensemble has a storefront rehearsal space and presents an annual 4-concert series at the local St. John's Church. Tickets for this concert series are general admission with low cost or no cost pricing. All from the community are actively welcomed to attend.
New England Conservatory Residency and Concert Series
In addition to presenting a 5-concert series at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, A Far Cry engages with conservatory and preparatory students in the following activities:
NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY ENTREPRENEURIAL MUSICIANSHIP FELLOWSHIP
Open to string students at the New England Conservatory, this fellowship provides a 360-degree view of A Far Cry, including all aspects of administration, rehearsal, and performance. Fellows rehearse and perform in two subscription concerts with the ensemble, attend group meetings, work directly with AFC’s staff, and participate in musician-run committees. Through this intensive immersion, AFC Fellows are exposed to all aspects of managing and performing in a collaboratively-empowered ensemble.
NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY PREPARATORY SCHOOL COLLABORATIVE COMPETITION
A Far Cry’s competition through New England Conservatory’s Preparatory Division offers students ages 13-20 the opportunity to perform with A Far Cry on a chosen piece each season. The competition seeks to recognize talented young chamber musicians and inspire deeper communication through musicianship. The winners are invited to rehearse and perform as members of the ensemble, experiencing first-hand the sensitivity and discipline necessary to work as part of a self-conducted chamber orchestra.
Longy School of Music Concert Series and Residency
In addition to performing a select number of concerts each season at Longy's Pickman Hall, A Far Cry also engages with students and members of the Longy community through its residency:
The residency includes lectures and mentoring sessions as well as performance demonstrations, open rehearsals, and other creative seminars for the entire Longy community. At the outset of each academic year, the two institutions partner to determine how A Far Cry will supplement or guide courses and instruction for the students and alongside Longy faculty and administration.
Project STEP Residency
A Far Cry is honored to be participating in its fifth year of residency activities at Project STEP, a comprehensive string training program for children from underrepresented communities. The residency includes weekly coaching and mentoring sessions as well as performance demonstrations and masterclasses for the entire Project STEP community. Criers also coach the Project STEP Honors Quartet, who give a pre-concert performance in Jordan Hall before an upcoming A Far Cry concert each season. Additionally, Project STEP students are invited to perform with the orchestra on a Jordan Hall concert each season.
Harvard Ed Portal Performance & Lecture Series
A Far Cry presents open rehearsals and performance previews paired with discussion and lecture related to upcoming concerts and events. These events are presented free of charge to the Allston/Brighton community (and beyond!) in partnership with Harvard Ed Portal (HEP). Additionally, members of HEP receive free or deeply discounted tickets to other A Far Cry concerts and events.
Where we work
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Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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A Far Cry Inc
Board of directorsas of 02/22/2022
Mr. Tom Novak
New England Conservatory
Term: 2007 - 2019
Daniel Lev
Eloise Hodges
Liisa Kissel
Jae Lee
A Far Cry
Sarah Darling
A Far Cry
Tom Novak
Jesse Irons
A Far Cry
Mary Jaffee
Lisa Hicks
Lisa Wong
Ed Cibas
Allan Rodgers