Lyra Society

Lyra Society is proud to share that we’ve been awarded the Advancement of Music grant from The Presser Foundation! ?? These funds will allow us to continue to promote cultural equity through access to harp education. Thank you to all that made this possible! #pressergrant #thepresserfoundation

Lyra Society is deeply saddened to share that our dear friend Bob Schwartz passed October 8, 2024. Bob was a kind, empathetic, loyal, humble, and generous friend and mentor to us at Lyra Society. A trombonist in his youth, he loved the arts and saw the transformative power in them. From 2013 to 2022, Bob served as Chair of Lyra’s Board of Directors and served on the board as Chair Emeritus until his passing. He brought his youthful energy, sage advice, quick jokes, creative strategic mind, and his vast experience to Lyra for over 10 years. Lyra simply would not be where it is without his leadership. Motivated by his heightened morality and loyalty, Bob’s dedication was unmatched especially in his career. A longtime lawyer, Bob was a pioneer in the field of child advocacy in the welfare and justice systems. As co-founder, executive director from 1982 to 2015, and executive director emeritus, of the Juvenile Law Center (JLC) he transformed the field of youth rights, and, in turn, countless lives. We will miss his warmth, reflected in his home where we were always greeted with hot tea, surrounded by his library of signed books, first editions, and countless CD’s and cassettes on his custom bookshelves. We will miss his love of the Phillies, quick quips, brilliance, and determination that propels each one of us to do better. Bob’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he improved through his tireless advocacy. A celebration of his life is to be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, Pa. 19041

Grad Spotlight: Join us in congratulating Nathalia, one of Lyra’s Class of 2024 graduates, as we celebrate another year of 100% college commitments. THANK YOU to Lyra’s Teaching Artist and Director of Education Maryanne Meyer, in addition to our College & Financial Aid Guidance Committee! ??: John Cruice #harp #harpist #classof2024 #musician #music #nonprofit #universityofpittsburgh #upitt

Grad Spotlight: Join us in congratulating Tayla, one of Lyra’s Class of 2024 graduates, as we celebrate another year of 100% college commitments. THANK YOU to Lyra’s Teaching Artist Elizabeth Steiner and Director of Education Maryanne Meyer, in addition to our College & Financial Aid Guidance Committee! ??: John Cruice #harp #harpist #classof2024 #musician #music #nonprofit #templeuniversity #boyer

WRTI’s Meet the Harp with Maya Lindsay, a Lyra Society alumna and current Curtis Institute of Music student! Thank you to WRTI for their generous support of Lyra Society and for their harp spotlight! https://lnkd.in/ecCMWHsx

Grad Spotlight: Join us in congratulating Tino, one of Lyra’s Class of 2024 graduates, as we celebrate another year of 100% college commitments. THANK YOU to Lyra’s Director of Education and Tino’s Teaching Artist, Maryanne Meyer, in addition to our College & Financial Aid Guidance Committee! ??: John Cruice #harp #harpist #classof2024 #musician #music #nonprofit #harvardcollege #harvard #harvarduniversity

ALUM UPDATE: Lyra alumna, Jada, has been completing her fieldwork hours and Bedside Harp certification hours at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital and Jefferson Frankford Hospital! ?? We’re so inspired by and proud of Jada for her incredible work in music therapy! Jada is a former student of Elizabeth Steiner at Philadelphia High School For Girls and Elizabeth Hainen at Temple University ?

Lyra Society will be at this year's Fitler Club Business Expo! Join us to receive free mini-harp lessons and learn more about Lyra's mission to promote cultural equity through access to harp education. Throughout the event, you will have the opportunity to network with a wide range of business owners, hear from Philadelphia-based entrepreneurs, and engage in thoughtful discussion. Date: Thurs. May 16, 2024 Time: 5-8pm (doors open at 5pm) Location: Fitler Club (24 S. 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103) Tickets are $35.00 for the general public, which includes a three-hour open bar, light bites, and a chance to win one of three raffle prizes, including tickets to an Eagles game. We look forward to meeting you! Register today: https://lnkd.in/e4gVtTPJ

We can’t wait to give free mini harp lessons at this event! Pre-register with the link below then come find us at our table May 16!

Have you ever heard a 13-harp ensemble? ?? We partnered with The Philadelphia Orchestra for a Harp PlayIN yesterday at Ensemble Arts Philly. Student and professional harpists of all ages and skill-levels had the opportunity to play in a harp ensemble with musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra! Thank you to all who played and listened!