After-school music program transforms lives of Nashua students
Upbeat New Hampshire, the Nashua area’s premier after-school music enrichment program, is celebrating 14 years of inspiring young musicians and building community through music. Since its founding, the program has introduced nearly 2,000 local students to the joy of playing string instruments in ensembles and orchestras, regardless of financial background or ability level.
“I love playing the violin, I love interacting with everybody in the orchestra…it helps me go along in the harder times,” says Divya, a ninth-grade violinist. Fellow student Galilea adds, “Music is a really big portion of my life, I’ll still remember Upbeat as the place I started.”
In partnership with United Way of Greater Nashua and the Nashua School District, Upbeat offers students in grades 3–12 the chance to learn violin, viola, cello, or bass through weekly semi-private lessons and ensemble participation. The program starts students in nine of Nashua’s twelve elementary schools and serves nearly 200 students each year. Every child receives an instrument at no cost, and more than 65% receive full scholarships for weekly instruction.
Upbeat’s orchestra program is at the heart of the experience, giving students the opportunity to perform together, grow as musicians, and learn the value of teamwork. “When you meet your orchestra mates, they’ll help you but they’ll also become your friends,” Galilea notes. The program culminates each school year with nearly 200 students performing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy together — a community highlight that showcases the power of music to unite.
Upbeat offers three levels of orchestras, including its Youth Orchestra led by a professional conductor. Parent Susie Schuman describes the program as unmatched: “Everything is right here. The comprehensive nature of the program can’t be beat.”
Students don’t just learn music — they develop discipline, confidence, and leadership. Many, like Divya, mentor younger musicians, while others return as college interns, gaining work experience and giving back to the program that shaped them.
Looking ahead, the Upbeat Youth Orchestra is expanding into a regional orchestra and is now recruiting string, wind, brass, and percussion students from across Southern New Hampshire. The orchestra will perform again in February 2026.
Registration is now open for the 2025–2026 school year. To learn more, view concert videos, or register, visit www.UpbeatNewHampshire.org or email upbeatnewhampshire@gmail.com.
