Practice Hours Included

We at the VMA know how classically trained performers need to practice throughout the year in order to maintain and improve upon fundamental technique and artistry. The Leadership Initiative is designed to encourage the constant pursuit of excellence in the performing arts whilst satisfying the minimum volunteer hour requirements required for presidential recognition. Picking up litter in the park is of a very different ilk than preparing and performing a classical piece of literature. We polled music educators around the country and the people have spoken: it takes a village and a lot of time, discipline, and grit to perform recitals.

Therefore, once a Junior Program High-Schooler completes the Leadership Initiative, they are justly awarded the VMA Leader Award and AmeriCorps’ President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal. The PVSA award package includes a signed letter of congratulations from the White House, AmeriCorps certificate, and gold medallion/coin/pin.

Our long-term goal is that at least one of our VMA Leaders will draw upon the advantages bestowed upon them to enact positive change, in any theatre, on the global stage: non ministrari, sed ministrare (“not to be served, but to serve”).