The Impact of Musical Minds
Mission
Now in its second year, Musical Minds brings together talented and motivated young musicians in a dynamic living and learning community where they deepen their musical skills, pursue academic growth, and build lasting friendships with peers who share their passion for excellence.
Key Features
- Advanced Music Training: A five-week residential program for talented rising 7th and 8th grade musicians, featuring private lessons, ensemble work, music theory, ear training, music technology, and performance opportunities.
- Personalized Artistic Growth: Students learn from professional artist faculty through master classes, studio sessions, field trips, and individualized instruction designed to build musical skills and confidence.
- Supportive Community Experience: Combines residential life, cultural excursions, and meaningful peer connections in collaboration with Andover Summer’s Lower School Institute, helping students develop friendships, independence, and a lifelong love of academics and music.
Our Program
5
states and
2
countries represented
4
main types of bowed instruments included
6
Public Performances
5
Field Trips
3
Strategic Partnerships
2026 In Action: The Second Summer
Impact and Results
- 100% of participants agreed that Musical Minds made them a stronger musician
- 100% of participants agreed that they feel more prepared for future musical opportunities because of Musical Minds
- 92% of participants agree that Musical Minds helped them become more confident
- 100% of participants agree that they made meaningful friendships in the program
STUDENT VOICES
“Musical Minds has made me into a better musician in every single aspect of music, whether it’s music theory, ear training, or just playing altogether. …Musical Minds has taught me more in just a few weeks than any other program could in years.” — Emma, 8th grade, double bass
“My favorite activity this summer has been going to the Addison Gallery of American Art and making an improv composition based on the artwork there. This activity helped me use my creativity for music which is something I love to do.” — Eli, 7th grade, violin
LSI Orchestra
One of the most exciting additions to this summer’s musical landscape is the debut of the LSI Orchestra (LSIO).
Created to bring together talented young musicians from across the Andover Summer Lower School Institute, the LSIO provides meaningful ensemble opportunities for students who are enrolled in a variety of summer programs but still want to continue performing and growing as musicians while on campus.
This remarkable new ensemble was composed of 45 string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players, creating a vibrant and diverse orchestral community unlike anything else at LSI. Students spent their mornings studying different subjects and came together through a shared love of music, transforming individual talents into a powerful collective sound.
The energy in rehearsals was inspiring. New friendships formed across programs, students discovered the thrill of large ensemble performance, and young musicians experienced firsthand what it means to contribute to something greater than themselves.
More than just an orchestra, the LSI Orchestra became a musical home for students from across the summer community—a place where collaboration, creativity, and artistic excellence came together. We are thrilled to have launched this new ensemble and look forward to watching it grow into a lasting tradition for years to come.
All smiles at Musical Minds 2026!
Director of Musical Minds
Ray Daniels, Musical Minds director and conductor, is a Phillips Academy music instructor and wind ensemble director. He is also the music director of the Fall River (Mass.) Symphony Orchestra, cover conductor of the Boston Pops, professor at Berklee College of Music, and lecturer and wind ensemble director at Tufts University. In 2017, Daniels was invited to conduct the Rhode Island Music Educators Association’s Junior All-State Orchestra. Boston-area guest conducting appointments include the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, Boston New Music Initiative, and Quincy Symphony Orchestra. Daniels has worked with Germany’s Berlin Sinfonietta and the Czech Republic’s Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra. He is the former music director of the Bentley University Chamber Orchestra. Guided by the belief that music is “common ground” that bridges differences of humanity, Daniels is particularly interested in engaging young and new audiences.
Thank You
Musical Minds is partially funded through the generosity of individual donors. As a result, the program provides up to 12 scholarships for accepted students. Thank you!