Guiding Every Step

Programs

Echo Postsecondary Arts Pathways Program

The Echo Postsecondary Arts Pathways Program helps high school students explore postsecondary opportunities in music, performing arts, and visual arts. The program provides opportunities for students to participate in college visits and day trips, including collegiate band days, performing arts events, visual arts programs, campus tours, and other experiences that introduce students to college-level arts education. The program also helps students understand the process of pursuing an arts education after high school through informational sessions on college applications, financial aid and scholarships, audition and portfolio requirements, important deadlines, and expectations for collegiate music, performing arts, and visual arts programs. College counseling and application support days may also be offered to help students identify programs that fit their interests, prepare for admissions and auditions, and navigate the transition from high school into postsecondary arts education.

Echo Next Stage Scholarship

The Echo Next Stage Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors continuing their education in postsecondary visual or performing arts programs. The scholarship is designed for students pursuing disciplines such as music, dance, theater, visual arts, and other creative fields at colleges, universities, conservatories, technical programs, and other eligible postsecondary institutions. Awards help ease the financial transition into higher education by assisting with costs associated with continuing a student’s artistic education and development. Through the Echo Next Stage Scholarship, Echo Music and Arts Foundation helps young artists move from high school into the next stage of their education with greater access to the resources and opportunities needed to continue pursuing their craft.

Music & Arts Participation Assistance

The Music & Arts Participation Assistance Program provides financial support to help young artists participate in music, performing arts, and visual arts opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach because of cost. Echo Music and Arts Foundation assists eligible students participating in programs such as band, orchestra, choir, dance, theater, visual arts, and other creative disciplines with expenses including program and registration fees, instrument and art supplies, accessories, and other required participation costs. By addressing these financial barriers, the program helps young artists remain involved in the programs they have chosen to pursue while reducing the financial burden on their families.

Echo Performance Packs

Echo Performance Packs provide young musicians and performing artists with practical personal-care essentials needed during rehearsals, performances, band camps, competitions, and other arts activities. Each pack includes core essentials such as deodorant, sunscreen, lip balm, body wipes, dental-care items, blister bandages, and feminine hygiene products when needed, with additional items customized to the specific demands of each participant’s craft. Reusable water bottles or other hydration systems may also be included to help participants stay hydrated during rehearsals, practices, performances, and other physically demanding activities. Whether a student participates in marching band, dance, theater, choir, orchestra, or another performance discipline, the packs are designed with their individual performance needs in mind. By addressing these often-overlooked needs, Echo Music and Arts Foundation helps young artists stay prepared, comfortable, and focused on their performance.

Performance Attire/Access Initiative

The Performance Attire & Access Initiative helps remove financial barriers that can prevent young musicians and performing artists from fully participating in school and community arts programs. Echo Music and Arts Foundation provides students with essential performance and practice attire, including concert clothing, marching band practice wear, shoes, and other required items. The initiative also helps families with participation-related needs that may otherwise create a financial hardship. By providing these essentials at no cost to eligible students, Echo helps young artists arrive prepared, participate with confidence, and remain engaged in the programs they have worked hard to pursue.

Elementary and Middle School

For our elementary and middle school students, funding is on its way! It hasn’t kicked off just yet, but once it does, we’ll be right there. We’ll provide assistance with instrument necessities and accessories, help them obtain concert attire, and support them in acquiring performance arts costumes and attire.