Host a Chinese Student Musician the Summer!

Bard Conservatory is looking for families to host visiting high school students from China from August 9 to 26.

Background

This Summer, Bard College Conservatory of Music will be hosting its first year of
Summer Academy for the Bard Youth Chinese Orchestra (BYCO), bringing in talented young performers of traditional Chinese instruments to the Bard campus for 18 days.

These high-school students will rehearse and perform as the BYCO at Bard’s Fisher Center as well as at Harvard University’s Sanders Theater. We are seeking families in the area to host the BYCO students in their homes for the duration of the Summer Academy (August 9 – 26, 2018). Hosting a student is not only a  generous way to support this new program at Bard Conservatory, it is an amazing opportunity for cultural exchange with talented young performers and to experience music performed on traditional Chinese instruments.

Some Facts about the Students

• Student ages are 14 to 18.
• Primarily from China.
• English language skills may be limited but they will attend language training.
• Have passed application screening process for the BYCO.
• Students will have a rigorous daily class and practice schedule on Bard campus (sample daily schedule can be provided upon request).

Expectations of the Host Families

Provide a bed/sleeper sofa in a private room. If a family chooses to host more than one student, the students can share a bedroom.

• Provide daily breakfast. Students will have lunch and dinner at Bard every day. The Summer Academy will arrange for weekend activities and excursions for the students, such as trips to New York City and Boston.
• Bard will provide daily transportation to and from your home for the students. No driving required.
• Provide a friendly family environment in the evenings.
• Offer cultural exchanges.

Perks for the Host Families

• Opening and closing receptions for host families with their students and Summer Academy faculty, including distinguished members from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing.
• Preferred seating for Summer Academy concerts, including Fisher Center and Sanders Theater at Harvard, as well as other events, such as a presentation by Director Jindong Cai on the current situation of music study and performance in China.
• Three complimentary group beginner lessons on Chinese instruments for family members.

If you are interested in being a potential host family or want to find out more about it, please contact Karin Travaglione at j[email protected] or 212-767-9161. Karin will be happy to discuss details or answer any questions you may have.