COMMUNITY VOICES :
The OrchKids Impact
OrchKids provides Baltimore youth with equitable access to community-based , high-quality music instruction and programming that teaches musical and social skills transferable to all areas of their lives . In a city where access to instrumental music education is scarce , OrchKids was created in 2008 to help fill the gap and has since impacted the lives of thousands of students . Below are thoughts from a handful of those students and families that give a glimpse into the impact that OrchKids has had on their lives .
Justice
“ A lot of people , like me , came from East Baltimore , West Baltimore , not very money-rich places . To have access to these high-end , high-quality instruments with good teachers , so you have a skillset that you can take with you for the rest of your life .”
— Justice Gaines , 10th grade , violin
“ The program enveloped my child , brought him in , and was like ‘ Viahn , oh wow !’ It did something to him , it did , it changed him . He wasn ’ t that awkward kid anymore . It just really did a lot for him as he transitioned from a younger person and now he ’ s in high school . It has just been awesome .”
— Vashti Green , mother of 9th grade cellist Viahn
Vashti
Kary
“ Playing the violin is something that makes me happy . After I saw my opportunity in the paper to sign up I was like ‘ I can ’ t waste my time .’ My mom said ‘ I ’ m going to help you to do your dreams .’ I ’ m proud of myself and where I am .”
— Kary Vicente , 4th grade , violin
“ I think it is very important when they are young to open many doors for them … They are little and their brains are like little sponges that absorb lots of information very quickly . [ Kary ] has had a very beautiful development , so I am very proud of her … Having a musician in the family is a source of pride ”
— Yeny Vicente , mother of Kary
Yeny
ORCHKIDS . ORG
UPCOMING SPRING CELEBRATION CONCERT
Join us on May 15 at 6 pm for the OrchKids Spring Celebration Concert right here at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall . Our incredible ensembles will fill the hall with beautiful music , performed by students in kindergarten through 12th grade . Visit bsomusic . org to reserve your free ticket today .
MAR-APR 2024 / OVERTURE 31