Feedback from IMPS participants

Anonymous feedback from recent Institute for Musicianship and Public Service participants who traveled to Providence from Boston, New Haven, Oakland, New York City, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and Montreal, to name a few disparate locations.

"I thought you should know that IMPS has really changed everything for me. I know that the impact of it will continually emerge, but already I feel so inspired and ready to do what I've wanted to do since high school but didn't quite have the courage or the self-confidence. Now I realize that I CAN do it, and that I MUST do it. I have so much support, I am a part of my target community, and I have a vision and mission. Instead of saying 'I want to maybe start a program…' I am saying 'I am at the beginning stages of creating a music program…' I'm just so grateful for the opportunity to attend IMPS. I didn't think I was going to find the money to fly out, but a little whisper inside me kept telling me that I had to go to THIS one no matter what. Not the next one. And I'm so glad that I did."

"It was inspiring to see a variety of models that do their work in a unique way. It opened up even more possibilities. I also really valued the personal reflection in the small group work."

"The fear of getting into this line of work has virtually disappeared, thus inspiring me even more to go forth with our collective vision."

"The overall excitement and sense of purpose at IMPS, as well as the diversity and talent of the assembled artists, is wholly invigorating."

"The observation of both the established local arts initiatives and the enthusiasm, creativity, and motivation of the IMPS class and CMW staff has given me a sense of hope and possibility."

"Our discussion of service, as well as the ideologies of Freire and Greene have confirmed my belief in a new vision for what meaningful artistic and educational practices look like."

[Editor: More complete documentation from the recent IMPS in June coming this fall.]