For Immediate Release

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact: Aurelia Corcoran

Harron & Assoiciates

FOUR LOCAL YOUTH SERVE AS STAGE CREW FOR THE BOSTON LANDMARKS ORCHESTRA AS PART OF JOHN HANCOCK’S MLK SCHOLARS PROGRAM

High School Students Allison Boyd, Mackenzie Skeens, Nassim Zamor and Jenny Huang

Make the Boston Landmarks Orchestra's Concerts Run Smoothly

BOSTON- August 10, 2011- Through John Hancock Financial's MLK Summer Scholars program, four local students are making Boston Landmarks Concerts run flawlessly this summer. From readying rehearsal space at WGBH”s Fraser Gallery, to following the conductor’s stage plot for the Orchestra in its performances at the DCR's Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, the four are gaining a valuable work experience in what it takes to create an artistic event.   Working in close partnership with the Boston Globe, Boston University, Partners HealthCare and the City of Boston, John Hancock’s MLK Summer Scholars program addresses what was deemed a critical need by Mayor Thomas Menino — summer jobs for city youth. The initiative builds pride and confidence in more than 650 local teens through valuable paid summer work experiences. Along with the on-the-job training during the week, students attend interactive workshops at Boston University's John Hancock Student Village to learn the important life skills they need to reach for their goals. MLK Summer Scholars is the largest, most comprehensive, corporate-based summer jobs program in the nation.

“We are so pleased four of our MLK Summer Scholars are earning a paycheck, learning to be responsible, and creating leadership skills, all while helping the Boston Landmarks Orchestra create its best season to date,” said Carol Fulp, Senior Vice President, Brand Initiatives and Corporate Responsibility. “The work being done this summer directly supports the program's mission of developing a future skilled workforce while adding significant value to our community today.”

The Boston Landmarks Orchestra is a privately funded organization that performs great music for free in exceptional settings. Its goal is to break down barriers for all to experience the thrill of orchestral music, to introduce young people to this genre, and to bring people together to celebrate the city and themselves. The Orchestra presents the Landmarks Festival at the Shell every Wednesday night at 7 pm now through August 31. It will perform with the young people’s musical group Project Step at the Dorchester Blue Hills Boys and Girls Club on August 17 at 9:30 am and 11 am and at the Yawkey Club of Boston in Roxbury on August 18th at 9:30 am and 11 am.

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