In Memory of Project STEP's Founder, William Moyer
Bill's great work for Project STEP is a testament to his character and the incredible life he led.
Above Photo: Betsy Moyer, Bill Moyer, and Tony Rymer (2007 STEP Alumnus)
William (Bill) Moyer, resident for 15 years of Newbury Court, Concord, died peacefully on December 18, 2024. He joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1952, first as second trombonist and later became the orchestra’s Personnel Manager, a position he held until his retirement in 1987. At this time his wife Betsy and children request contributions in his memory be sent to Project STEP (String Training and Education Program) and Boston Symphony Orchestra, of which he was a member for 35 years.
Founding Project STEP in 1982
Bill Moyer, then-Orchestra Personnel Manager of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, was charged with finding musicians from underrepresented communities in classical music to audition for open spots in the orchestra. He crisscrossed the country and could not find any that had the extensive music training required to take these auditions. His conclusion: “If we’re serious about this, we must start a program.” With initial support from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and others in the Boston area, he helped design and launch Project STEP (String Training Education Program) to provide that comprehensive and long-term training, and a lasting connection to the surrounding community.
Because of Bill's commitment to equity in the arts, Project STEP opened its doors in 1982 with 7 students, and graduated its first two students in 1988. Since that time Project STEP has introduced 2,000 children to music through our FOCUS and core programs. In contrast with Boston’s 4-year graduation rates for Black and LatinX students (which declined in 2019 to 76.4% and 67%, respectively), 100% of Project STEP’s graduates attend college or conservatory.
Recent Project STEP graduates have attended Juilliard, Harvard, the New England Conservatory, NYU, and Brown. Project STEP graduates have gone on to become orchestra members, founders of other programs modeled on Project STEP, music teachers, and soloists, as well as financial services advisors, doctors, and architects. We consider Project STEP to be a model for creative youth development where music is used to help young people develop key skills and find success throughout their lives. Project STEP is the nation's FIRST pathways program for college and conservatory students typically underrepresented in classical music. Project STEP would not be here today without William Moyer.
Project STEP extends its deepest condolences to Betsy, Bill's four children, and the Moyer family and friends.
