MAKE A GIFT THAT UNLOCKS POTENTIAL & IGNITES YOUNG MINDS
Growing the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras
More than 500 promising musicians auditioned for the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras this spring , a recordshattering number that saw enrollment increase by 41 %. To accommodate this landslide of interest and talent , the BSO unveiled a fourth BSYO ensemble , the Philharmonia Orchestra , joining the existing String Orchestra , Concert Orchestra , and Youth Orchestras . The Philharmonia will be conducted by BSYO Principal Conductor Dr . Christopher Cicconi , providing many middle and high school students with their first full orchestra concert experiences . All ensembles will continue to perform each concert on the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall stage , as well as join in weekly rehearsals at the BSYO ’ s new home at Towson University .
Partnering with Montgomery County Public Schools
The BSO has long partnered with area school systems , welcoming Baltimore County students for an annual Side-by- Side experience and sending BSO musicians into Howard County schools to lead sectional rehearsals . After a year of thoughtful planning , the BSO proudly announces a new memorandum of understanding with the Montgomery County Public Schools ( MCPS ). During the 2024-25 school year , BSO musicians will work alongside MCPS orchestra directors to improve their students ' string technique and pedagogy . The partnership includes remote support and hands-on work alongside students and teachers in the classroom , setting up the foundations for long-term musical success and cultivating lasting relationships between BSO musicians and public-school directors .
“ This is going to be one of the most exciting years for BSO education programs .”
– BRIAN PRECHTL , Director of Education & Community Engagement
Carnegie Hall Link Up : “ The Orchestra Sings ”
Midweek Education Concerts remain our widest reaching commitment to Maryland schoolchildren with nearly 19,000 served last year , 50 % attending at no cost . New this season , the BSO joins the global ranks of Carnegie Hall ’ s
Link Up program , making the Midweek experience even more impactful by inviting students to play along . " The Orchestra Sings ," on March 27 & 28 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall , is designed to prepare and feature third through fifth grade students performing with the BSO from their seats on soprano recorders , in full concert halls of 2,000 students at a time . Terri Lacarino , Vocal Music Teacher at Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School , can ’ t wait to see her students participate :
“ As a music educator who has taken students to the Meyerhoff for the past 20 years , I am impressed with the innovative ways that they engage young listeners with the amazing Orchestra . Offering this unique opportunity to play with the orchestra for a Link Up concert is very exciting and my students are eager to sing , dance , and play at the Meyerhoff this spring !”
The BSO will offer teacher training sessions and provide recorders , as well as provide teaching artists to work directly with students in regional Title I schools upon request . Interested teachers and administrators should email Education @ BSOmusic . org . Training sessions will be held at the Meyerhoff on October 1 from 6:30 – 8:30pm and January 9 from 5:30 – 7:00pm .
MAKE A GIFT THAT UNLOCKS POTENTIAL & IGNITES YOUNG MINDS
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY
Donor support underwrites programs that reach students in classrooms and communities around the state , empowering Baltimore ' s youth . You are invited to direct your support or have your gift used where it is needed most for BSO youth education programs . Gifts to OrchKids are restricted to OrchKids .
Regardless of how you designate your contribution , all gifts of $ 75 or more entitle you to the many benefits of BSO Membership ! That means advance access to ticketing and breaking news , valuable discounts , and events curated just for our supporters .
Visit BSOmusic . org / Giving or call 410.783.8000
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