BOP STOP Is Virtually Everywhere

Due to the pandemic, BOP STOP was forced to close its doors on March 12th. From mid-March through August nearly 150 concerts were cancelled, most of our staff was furloughed, and the music industry came to a halt. However, during this same period we were determined to keep music alive in Ohio City and support the region's music scene for which we care so deeply.

This past summer we added live streaming capabilities at BOP STOP and we can now broadcast the music you love into the comfort of your home. The streaming gear can also be utilized to enhance the teaching and learning experiences of the faculty, students, and clients in all Centers at The Music Settlement. By donating, you are helping us continue to deliver high quality virtual music performances and services while putting musicians back to work.

Attend the concert on 10/14 (or a future livestream we produce) in person by donating at the $100, $200, or $500 dollar level. Accessing the livestream on 10/14 is free (donations encouraged) and can be viewed on BOP STOP's Facebook page.

Once the funding is secured, we will plan and organize each virtual program. The programs will include a mix of educational opportunities for students at The Music Settlement including virtual masterclasses as well as live streamed concerts for the general public. Marketing and distribution will be be key for each event and will ensure that our content becomes available to a broad audience. The number of programs we can record is dependent upon the total amount we fundraise. Our goal is to create six virtual events.

10/1: Promote ioby match and show on 10/14

10/18: BOP STOP's 6th anniversary! ioby campaign ends

10/21: Begin to produce virtual content to broadcast

The Music Settlement's mission is "To welcome all to our music and arts community to learn, create, inspire and heal". In one of the most tranformative times in our history, we seek to continually innovate our services to meet the needs of our communities. Therefore, beginning in 2020 and beyond, "our community" extends to our new "virtual community." By funding and broadcasting content we can put musicians, some of the hardest hit financially due to the pandemic, back to work. We can create new learning opportunities for our students and inspire them to pursue the arts. Our virtual music experiences can help people feel more connected to each other while reducing stress and anxiety during these taxing and isolating times. Transforming our offerings to a virtual format helps BOP STOP survive the pandemic. Lastly, we are doing this because we know we are helping as noted in the following;

Just wanted to say that we really enjoyed the concert last night. The music was great and it brought a sense of normalcy to a tough time. Thanks for all that you're doing! -Anna Brandt 

Virtual music opportunities are also important because they give me a chance to connect others who love music as much as I do. Part of the joy that comes from playing an instrument is the music community that comes along with it. If not for virtual lessons with my teacher and virtual ensemble practices, I would have lost the motivation to continue practicing. -Ashley (Flute student at The Music Settlement)

Wow, I've only watched the last 12 minutes and I have already replayed a couple of moments. Matt, you always make me cry when you sing. Can't wait to listen to the rest of this. Thank you for lifting my spirits! -Daniel Kenworthy (Linking Legacies livestream audience member)