 | The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) unveiled a major education program, OrchKids, at a press conference at Harriet Tubman Elementary School (HTES) on May 20, 2008. The OrchKids program will provide music education, instruments and mentorship to Baltimore’s youngsters at HTES, where the pilot year will commence in September 2008 with approximately 25 first graders. |
| Under Music Director Marin Alsop’s (see photo by Tracey Brown) artistic leadership and direction, OrchKids is a cornerstone of the BSO’s vision to expand the Orchestra’s relevance within the city’s broad and diverse community. To effectively implement OrchKids and to create a network of community support, the BSO is undertaking the program in partnership with several key local organizations, including the Baltimore City Public School System, The Peabody Institute, Arts Everyday, Baltimore School for the Arts and The Family League. Commenting on the new program, Marin Alsop said, “Since coming to Baltimore, one of my priorities has been to create a school program that combines music and mentorship to have a positive impact on Baltimore City youth. I believe passionately that music has the power to change lives, and the BSO should lead the movement. By providing a strong foundation and developing the whole individual, we can position these students for lifelong success—success not limited to music, but in all areas of their lives. The community support for this program in the planning stages has been overwhelming. I know OrchKids will be successful because it is part of a larger vision for Baltimore’s future.” Funding for the planning phase and first year of OrchKids is made possible through the generous support of Robert E. Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker. Music Director Marin Alsop has committed $100,000, structured as a 4 to 1 matching gift, intended to motivate and inspire others in the community to provide additional support to sustain the OrchKids program through the critical first few years of implementation and growth. The musicians of the BSO will support OrchKids through open rehearsals, BSO on the Go presentations and school visits, and pre- and post- concert “meet and greets.” The OrchKids program will grow as the students grow: the inaugural class is expected to continue in the program through the fifth grade and each year a new class of first graders will enter the program. As children become musically proficient, older children will be encouraged to mentor their younger counterparts, creating a self-perpetuating system in which leadership skills and cooperative relationships are fostered. For more than 80 years, the BSO has maintained a vibrant educational presence throughout the state of Maryland, supporting the local community through its commitment to actively “giving back” with its education, outreach and mentorship programs. | |
| SOURCE: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra |
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