Beaver’s Paper Instrument Project is a yearly collaboration between the Beaver Glass Orchestra and the youngest members of the Boston Music Project’s Mozart Orchestra. The program assists young musicians in getting acquainted with the look and feel of an instrument by providing them with cardboard models to customize and keep. Hosted by Josiah Quincy School, the project encourages deeper learning and community building while allowing Middle School students to serve as the experts in the room.
Below, Beaver student Sam Singer ’28 reflects on her experience with the project and what she took away from it.
How did you get involved with the Paper Instrument Project?
Last year, in the 7th grade, I started the Paper Instrument Project. The first thing we did was take steps to educate ourselves on music education, its importance, and how organizations like the ones the Paper Instrument Project partner with are working towards meaningful change.
What was the experience like?
If I were to describe the Paper Instrument Project in one word, it would be moving. Not only did this project introduce a new perspective, but it also grew my teamwork skills. Through learning how to build an instrument to learning about organizations, my appreciation of music education and motivation to work towards change has grown significantly.
If I were to describe the Paper Instrument Project in one word, it would be moving.
What was your favorite part of the entire project?
My favorite part of the Paper Instrument Project is meeting the children. At the end of the project, Glass Strings goes on a small field trip to help decorate paper instruments with the children. I really enjoyed this part because it makes what we’re doing more tangible: these are the children this project is helping!
What did you learn from the experience?
Something I took away from the Paper Instrument Project is a better understanding of community. From a young age, I have had access to music education; I started playing the piano at age 4. Because of this, I know firsthand the importance of music as a form of expression. It upsets me that other children so close to where I’ve lived my entire life do not have this opportunity, and it’s also opened my worldview.
You can read more about the Paper Instrument Project here.