American Children's Orchestras for Peace, Inc.

ACOP provided children with alternatives to the cycle of poverty and hopelessness which often leads to violence. This year-round program is designed to provide instruments and free lessons to underserved, at-risk, & disable children in Miami-Dade County, using music to improve individual achievement, social skills, parental involvement, and ultimately - children's lives.

ACOP improved the musical aptitude knowledge of each young children, reduced negative behaviors while improving social skills and peer-to-peer relationships, increased parental involvement in their child's activities. ACOP's Music Program awakened the youth's competitive spirit, stimulated the children to improve their own abilities, promoted and provided opportunities to build cultural understanding and goodwill. Developing musical skills offers students career options as it improves the quality of their lives.

We have accomplished our mission by creating successful and thriving orchestras, where the children are learning and flourishing. After months of instruction and rehearsal, children are provided with the opportunity to perform, inviting their families and the community to share in the accomplishment, at their public concerts at schools, parks or other institutions throughout Miami-Dade. The other outcomes are less tangible but still measurable: the children who have received music instruction improved core academic and cognitive skills. Additionally, participating in full orchestra rehearsals and performance builds conflict avoidance and resolution skills, and builds the ability to work in groups (i.e., teamwork). Furthermore, participating in the orchestras can develop self-esteem and regular interaction to positive adult role models is a proven protective factor for high risk.

The benefits are numerous and overlapping, and they include, improved/sustained academic performance, school attendance, conduct, self-esteem and interpersonal skills, positive peer groups and career aspirations. Because all aspects of the program are free and all event transportation is provided, parents feel good about enrolling their children in an enriching cultural program without simultaneously worrying about out-of-pocket expenses or scheduling transportation for children activities or needs.

When ACOP began program activities in 2003, special outreach efforts were made to ensure a high participation level from disadvantaged children at school sites, since then thousands of children participated in ACOP Auditions are not conducted and our program is completely free of charge. ACOP has developed and implemented a highly successful marketing plan. It has been successful because it has reached the parents and children of our targeted communities. Specifically, the plan includes: Specially designed flyers for parents and children in English, Spanish .sometimes in Creole. Dissemination of information by partnering schools and agencies for partnerships and collaboration in newsletters, bulletin boards as well as at staff and parents PTA meetings. Community Press coverage of program activities (e.g., concerts, children's achievements, etc.)

The Children's Trust website and ACOP's website. Community Press coverage of program activities (e.g., concerts, children's achievements, etc.) ACOP's website. .Exposure through the worldwide media Facebook, Guide Star.com, Great Non – Profits and Switchboard of Miami. Also, our Secretary of the Board Member has participated on coverage of activities on interviews by different Radio & TV exposures. In Addition Arts & Entertainment Council Event Paint –Me – Miami, Enriqueciendo Nuestra Comunidad at Little Havana Nutrition Center, ACOP performed and interacted with the elderly community. We look for the involvement of professional music organizations and artist to visit and mentor the kids which gave us the chance to socialize and keep up the hard work.

ACOP strongly values its relationship with community partners and has developed wonderful community partnership and collaboration. Since 2004, the support of Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs, The Children's Trust (TCT). Florida Cultural Affairs among others. Also partnerships with Miami-Dade County public Schools, Park & Recreations, Community Centers, as Centro Mater Child Care & Neighborhood Centers; Connect Families; and the partnership with The Kiwanis of Little Havana who sponsored the ACOP Music Festival “Children for Peace. These essential collaborations and financial support have assisted ACOP in sustaining the organization as a financially stable and accountable non-profit. In addition, ACOP's President it's involved, and former member of The Miami Arts & Entertainment Council Board of Directors where important aspects Miami's key Art matters are decided, serving in advisory capacity and making recommendations to the City. ACOP has also been awarded a 2011 Exemplary Dade Partner by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Promoting our program with the support of Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Miami- Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and City of Miami Mayor Tomas P. Regalado, Commissioners, Bruno A. Barreiro; Francis Suarez; Esteban Bovo; Willie Gort; Jose “Pepe" Diaz; Jean Monestime, just to name a few.

Poverty places children at disproportionate risk to factors that may impair brain development and affect social and emotional development. In addition to the physical and mental health risks, poor children are at higher risk for decreased cognitive development, reduction in school attendance, and higher rates of grade failure.


“Facts about America's Youth" (http://guide.helpingamericasyouth.gov) reports the negatively spiraling relationship between poverty and violence – which American Children's Orchestra's for Peace seeks to counteract through music.

ACOP provided children with alternatives to the cycle of poverty and hopelessness which often leads to violence. This year-round program is designed to provide instruments and free lessons to underserved, at-risk, & disable children in Miami-Dade County.

We are thrilled about been exposing thousands of deprived children - who could otherwise not afford such opportunities - to the world of music. We also believe that this is a very exciting opportunity for them, since developing musical skills offers students long-term career options as it improves the quality of their lives. Beyond the scope of the project, it is hoped that exposure to cultural arts in general – and music particularly – will fundamentally alter a child's life by encouraging excellence that is within his or her reach.

ACOP haven't accomplished and is currently looking to achieve additional funding to counter the problems faced as a result of budget reduction from TCT Programs & Florida Cultural Affairs. ACOP has not been able to grow to its fullest potential. In fact, some site locations were forced to close. ACOP had to cancel the Parent for ACOP events. The opportunities for our children to perform have also declined, as our financial restrictions have not left room to cover costs for transportation and supporting staff. ACOP has had reduced the number of instructors and classes offered at the schools, and the positions of Parent Coordinator and Orchestras Coordinator was eliminated. Our program serves as an outlet for children who are regularly left at home or among the violent streets of their communities while their parents are hard at work. It is saddening to realize that they are deprived of the immeasurable benefit that ACOP provides because of the lack of funding. The American Children's Orchestras for Peace is dedicated to the prevention of violence and hopelessness through the universal language of music.