Performances + Events
Prep 75
Inspiring the future of music since 1950.
NEC Prep 75th Anniversary
A home for young musicians since 1950.
Celebrating 75 Years of Youth Music Education
Founded in 1950, NEC Preparatory School has been a leader in youth music education for generations of young musicians.
In 2025, NEC Prep celebrates its 75th anniversary with a yearlong series of concerts, master classes, and community events in Boston—honoring our legacy and future as one of the nation’s top music programs for students.
Upcoming Concerts
Join the Celebration
Join us on May 16 for a free, family-friendly concert at the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Edward A. Hatch Memorial Shell.
The Concert for the City, featuring NEC Prep’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Juliano Aniceto, is the culmination of NEC’s yearlong celebration of its Preparatory School’s 75th anniversary and will also celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding.
Alumni Voices
One Community, Countless Memories
As we celebrate NEC Prep’s 75th anniversary, we want to honor the moments, teachers, performances, and friendships that have shaped generations of musicians. We invite NEC Prep Alumni to share your story and join us in building a living legacy that connects Prep’s past, present, and future.
History of NEC Prep
Explore the rich history of NEC Prep through this slideshow of photos from the NEC archive, showcasing generations of young musicians in action.
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The NEC Preparatory School was co-founded by Frances Lanier (pictured) and Virginia Bacon, 1950.
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The Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble (MYWE) performing for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, during their 1981 tour of Italy. Photo by Arturo Mari.
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A group of kids trying out some brass instruments at the NEC Instrument Petting Zoo, an event held to introduce children to a variety of musical instruments, 1992. Photo by Jeff Thiebauth.
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NEC Children’s Chorus performing at the Community Music Festival, part of the Jordan Hall Restoration celebration, October 1995. Photo by Jeff Thiebauth.
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A Prep School ensemble performing at the Joyful Noise fundraising gala, 2010. Photo by Andrew Hurlbut.
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Ensemble photo of the NEC Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO) in Granada, one stop on their tour of Spain, June 2017. Photo by Andrew Hurlbut.
Event spotlight
NEC Prep Concerts and Recitals
