Participants acquire skills that build their confidence and give them a life-long source of wholesome pleasure, while benefiting from positive peer and adult associations. All that is required for acceptance into the program is for the youth to have an interest in music and a willingness to work at learning new skills. Participants are required to remain in school, meet reasonable academic goals based on their ability, and abstain from alcohol and other drugs. The youth first learn instrument basics, chords and scales, then learn to read music. As they gain skill, they learn more advanced instrumentation, voice and performance skills.
Participants practice twice a week during the school year and more often during the summer.
They take part in one to two performances per month at school and community events in Madison, around Wisconsin. Programming also includes occasional field trips, picnics and participation in community service projects.