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Pivoting To Virtual Learning

COVID-19 placed unimaginable burdens on our students and teachers , and in turn families , in the transition to all-virtual learning . While in-person programs were cancelled for the spring , the BSO — together with its staff and musicians — quickly pivoted to curate meaningful , realtime content , as well as personal musicianship support .

Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras Move Online

Serving Early Listeners and Advanced Students

Marin Alsop – a PNC Great Reader

BSYO VIRTUAL CONCERT ORCHESTRA BSO CRAFTS IN A MINUET MARIN ALSOP ’ S PNC GREAT READERS VIDEO

While their Summer 2020 European Tour was lost to COVID-19 , social distancing did not stop the music of the BSYO . With support from teaching staff and BSO musicianled master classes , sectionals , and instructional videos , highlights of the online pivot included four Virtual Recitals , three Virtual Orchestra collaborations ( one for each ensemble tier , featuring works by Bizet and Elgar ), a celebration of all graduating seniors , and a Virtual 2020-21 Audition program that exceeded all expectations .

In creating new , real-time content for BSO OffStage , a focus was placed on creating respite and resources for students of all ages and their families . Curated series included simple crafts and Sing-Alongs for our youngest “ Music Box ” listeners , as well as Learn from the Pros videos for intermediate to advanced high school musicians and adult learners of all ages .

The BSO was not alone in its pivot to provide virtual support , enrichment , and entertainment to a world whereby staying at home meant keeping everyone safe . In fact , we were proud to support our partners ’ creative responses including Music Director Marin Alsop ’ s participation in PNC ’ s Great Readers program . She joined dozens of other community partners across the nation in reading aloud her favorite children ’ s book on video — Love You Forever written by Robert Munsch .

2019-20 BSO YEAR IN REVIEW

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