NEWS FROM BSO ORCHKIDS !
BSO Musicians Begin Coaching OrchKids Students
At OrchKids , we strive to give our students every opportunity we can to help them reach their goals . We ’ re excited to share a new opportunity for committed students who are interested in pursuing music beyond high school . In addition to receiving weekly private lessons from their OrchKids Teaching Artist , 11 students are now receiving regular coachings from eight BSO musicians to support their musical growth ! Once a month , BSO musicians visit the students ’ OrchKids site to augment what they are learning in their lessons by helping them prepare for auditions and performances , continue developing proper technique , and offer mentorship on pursuing music as a career .
Before beginning these coachings , the BSO musicians and OrchKids students started getting to know each other at an informal pizza party at the Meyerhoff . Additionally , BSO musician Matt Barker guided his two soon-to-be students through the process of buying new , professional trumpets from Baltimore Brass Company . With Matt ’ s expertise and guidance , Alexis and Janai played many different trumpets , learned about the criteria to consider when choosing a new instrument , and selected the instrument that will be with them through college and beyond ! We are thrilled to increase collaboration with the BSO musicians and add these coachings to the myriad of opportunities that OrchKids students can receive .
Top : Alberta ’ s first coaching with BSO Violinist , Ellen Pendleton Troyer . Above : Alexis and Janai pictured with their coach , BSO Trumpeter , Matt Barker ( middle ), and their new trumpets .
BSA / Interlochen Acceptances
As spring rolls in , so do audition results . OrchKids students spend months diligently preparing for auditions to external summer programs including Interlochen Summer Arts Camp , Brevard Summer Institute and Festival , YOLA National Festival , Camp Encore / Coda , and more . We ’ re happy to share that the first round of audition results for the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp are in and that four OrchKids students were accepted with a full scholarship !
The good news doesn ’ t stop there . OrchKids is committed to supporting students as they matriculate through the Baltimore City School System and beyond .
Students who want to pursue music further are supported in the application and audition process for colleges , as well as Baltimore School for the Arts ( BSA ). Conversations with students who may be interested in attending BSA start as early as 6th grade . We ’ re excited to share that four students , including two who were also accepted to Interlochen , were accepted to BSA . Additionally , an OrchKids alumna who is currently in her first year at Baltimore City Community College was accepted into the music program at Towson University . Please join us in congratulating all of these exceptional young musicians !
OrchKids students accepted to Interlochen Summer Arts Camp and / or Baltimore School of the Arts MAY-JUN 2023 / OVERTURE 19