Programs
Ready to sign your student up for BRAVO?
After School Programs
BRAVO’s Afterschool Music Education Program provides high‑quality ensemble instruction that supports students from their first musical experiences through intermediate and advanced ensemble opportunities. Our curriculum is intentionally designed to strengthen core academic skills, including math, writing, and reading literacy, while nurturing each student’s social and emotional development.
During ensemble practice, students develop essential life skills such as teamwork, collaboration, kindness, creativity, leadership, respect, and discipline. BRAVO programs foster confidence, a strong sense of belonging, meaningful peer relationships, and opportunities for students to express themselves through performance and student‑centered artistry.
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BRAVO’s Orchestral Program provides instruction in Winds, Brass, Percussion, and Upper/Lower Strings. Our curriculum includes general music literacy, instrumental technique, ensemble skills, and sectional rehearsals. BRAVO Winds is open to students in grades 3–12, while BRAVO Strings is open to students in grades 2–12.
Classes are offered up to four days per week, giving students access to full ensemble rehearsals, small breakout groups (sectionals), and opportunities for individualized support.
Strings Program
Available at:
Sitton Elementary
Rosa Parks Elementary
Peninsula Elementary
Astor Elementary (hosted at Rosa Parks)
Roosevelt High School
Winds Program
Available at:
James John Elementary
Cesar Chavez School
Roosevelt High School
YOUTH ORCHESTRAS
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BRAVO’s Ambassador Ensemble is our music and skill based program that gives our advanced students the opportunity to share their musical talents through performing within the community. Ambassadors also learn skills associated with events such as promotion, marketing, box office, event management, sound production, artistic programming, and more.
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM
Pre-K Programs
Our BRAVO In-school HeadStart Residency Program provides a foundational music experience for 0.5 hour per week to all preschool students at several PPS Early Learning Centers. Highly trained and experienced Teaching Artists lead the music classes with support from PPS teachers or other district- employed staff. The In-school program is complementary and foundational to BRAVO’s After-school Programs. Benefits include improved executive functioning and other neurological processes, development of fine motor skills, development of both individual and group performance skills, and the opportunity to introduce students to the BRAVO After-school Programs. The curriculum includes general music fluency, familiarity with rhythm and pitch, familiarity with a selection of instruments, kinesthetic awareness using both gross and fine motor exercises, and the opportunity to perform for their peers and families at the end of the residency.
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The BRAVO In-school Headstart Residency Program provides a weekly music class for preschool students at Clarendon Early Learning Academy. The class is led by a highly trained and experienced Teaching Artist, with assistance from a PPS teacher or other district-employed staff member. The In-school program is complementary and foundational to BRAVO’s After-school Programs, and benefits include improved executive functioning and other neurological processes, development of fine motor skills, development of both individual and group performance skills, and the opportunity to introduce students to the BRAVO After-school Programs. Schools Served: Clarendon Early Learning Academy
Community
Our BRAVO Community Orchestra program provides a supplemental musical experience for our advanced students and a continuing connection with alumni. The orchestra meets once a week and presents 3-4 concerts per year. It is open to all and includes current students and staff, former students and staff, student family members, and members of the wider community. The curriculum includes a variety of repertoire from film music to symphonies.
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Under the baton of Maestro Giancarlo Castro D’Addona, BCO offers the opportunity to students, BRAVO’s staff, and community musicians to play and learn new repertoire in an orchestral environment developing listening skills, fosters respect for others, and a sense of belonging.
Rehearsals are on:
Fridays from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Buckley Auditorium on the University of Portland campus
5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland OR 97203If you are interested in joining BCO, please contact orchestra manager, Marian Gutierrez-Curiel at marian@oregonbravo.org
Get Involved
The power of the arts can transform a child’s life. BRAVO Youth Orchestras is possible thanks to the incredible generosity of hundreds of donors and dozens of volunteers. With your support we have the ability to shape successful leaders for tomorrow by fostering the creative minds of our youth today. Discover the different ways you can support our mission and become part of our philanthropic community.