From The Top - History

History

In 1995, shortly after the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston had undergone an extensive renovation of its famous concert hall Jordan Hall, the board of trustees and staff were charged to bring more people to more events in this remarkable concert venue. Soon after, standing on a street corner, Gerald Slavet, a trustee at NEC, and Jennifer Hurley-Wales, at the time the Acting Director of External Affairs had one of those magical moments you see in movie. Jennifer said, "We should do an old-fashioned radio show in Jordan Hall." Jerry said, "Great idea, but it should focus on kids!"

With substantial funding from the US Department of Education and a successful pilot season, in January 2000, From the Top with host Christopher O'Riley, debuted as a weekly public radio series on 100 radio stations around the country. Since then, it has become the nation's most popular weekly classical music program, broadcast on nearly 250 stations nationwide to an audience of more than 700,000. Even before the radio program went national, From the Top began building related educational programs utilizing the power of young performers as role models for other children. From the beginning, From the Top worked with a variety of partners-including New England Conservatory, Cherry Lane Publishers, Music Educators National Conference, Music Teachers National Association, and Education Development Center-to create and pilot music curricula in Massachusetts elementary schools.

In 2003, From the Top and Young Audiences created and piloted a "Make Your Own Radio Show" curriculum. In 2004, From the Top began a partnership with McGraw-Hill publishers to feature young From the Top musicians in their new series of textbooks for children in grades 2-12. At From the Top's very first pilot episode it was evident that the young performers were powerful role models. Through their music and life stories, they inspire audiences of all ages to explore music and the arts as a deeply enriching part of life. From the Top's musicians also demonstrate the necessity of discipline, passion, and focus as the foundation of any great achievement. Following every broadcast taping, From the Top gathers its performers to reflect on their experience on the show, and gain new insights about how they can use their talents to give back to their communities. This cultural leadership workshop empowers participants to fully explore their potential as artists, leaders and arts advocates.

In 2005 the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation teamed up with From the Top to identify and annually award 25 deserving young musicians Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Awards of $10,000 each in support of furthering their musical education. These young classical musicians between the ages of 8-18 have high levels of artistic achievement; demonstrated financial need; and a solid academic record. As of June 2009, From the Top and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will have provided 100 young musicians with this life-changing scholarship.

In 2006, production began on the first season of a 13-part PBS television series From the Top: Live from Carnegie Hall. The series, produced by From the Top, WGBH Boston, and Don Mischer Productions, in partnership with Carnegie Hall, aired to critical acclaim in April 2007 and was nominated for three Daytime Emmys in 2008. With new director Gary Halvorson and a new name, From the Top at Carnegie Hall, the series became the first PBS program to have a full season of episodes available for streaming online in 2008, bringing the energy, performances and stories of kids who are passionate about classical music to a global audience. In January 2009, From the Top at Carnegie Hall debuted on PBS primetime.