A YEAR TO
Remember
CELEBRATING GROWTH, ACHIEVEMENT, AND THE CLASS OF 2025
IT’ S BEEN A BUSY YEAR at OrchKids! We welcomed two new sites to the OrchKids family, taught over 2,000 students during and after-school, hosted concerts featuring our large ensembles, procured a centralized warehouse to store instrument and supply inventory, moved into a larger office space to support expansion efforts, and more.
As we wrap up the 17th year of OrchKids, we’ d like to celebrate our four graduating seniors. Most of these seniors have been part of the program for many years, and overtime, have grown into confident leaders and independent young adults.
SPRING CELEBRATION CONCERT
WED, MAY 14, 5:30 PM MEYERHOFF
Join us at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall for our largest concert of the year! Pre-K through 12th grade students from all nine OrchKids sites will perform in a variety of large ensembles, we will announce this year’ s Marin Alsop Citizenship Awardees, and recognize our graduating seniors.
Reserve free tickets at my. bsomusic. org / events
ERIKA R.
Joined OrchKids in 3rd grade
Instrument: Viola Favorite OrchKids experience:“ When we traveled to the King School in Connecticut, making lasting connections and creating beautiful music in a weekend-long adventure.” Future plans:“ My goal is to purse my undergraduate studies in the Towson University medical program before joining the military.”
JEIMY V.
Joined OrchKids in 7th grade
Instrument: Violin Favorite OrchKids memory:“ Helping a small group of young students at the D. C. Zoo and seeing different animals!” Future plans:“ Continue my college classes for engineering at the Community College of Baltimore County. I want to continue being a counselor at Camp Encore / Coda in Maine to gain more
experience playing violin.”
LUDY G.
Joined OrchKids in 3rd grade
Instrument: Tuba Favorite OrchKids memory:“ When I took my first out-of-state trip ever. I enjoyed the journeys, admired the different settings, and miss all of my old friends.” Future plans:“ Continuing to do what I love to do and become a professional musician. I look forward to serving in the Marine Corps Band as a young tubist. I hope someday I am part of a professional orchestra.”
NYASIA H.
Joined OrchKids in 12th grade
Instrument: Violin Favorite OrchKids memory:“ Mr. Liam turning red while conducting and constantly losing things even though his shirts have more pockets than his pants on ensemble days.” Future plans:“ I’ m going to attend Columbia University where I’ ll study to become an immigration lawyer.”
More Than Music: OrchKids Summer Expands Horizons and Builds Community
Summer at OrchKids is a time for community and new experiences. For the fourth year, we’ re returning to Goucher College to host our 3-week summer program. This is an exciting opportunity for our instrumental students from across Baltimore to come together and build friendships, learn from new teachers, and create beautiful music on a college campus. The summer program culminates in a concert on July 25 at 1:30pm at Goucher College’ s Kraushaar Auditorium.
This summer will also see dozens of students spend their summers beyond Goucher, attending prestigious summer music camps including Interlochen Arts Camp, Camp Encore / Coda, and, for the first time, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. OrchKids ensures that students and families are fully supported in these formative experiences, securing scholarships, underwriting travel and housing, and chaperoning students to ensure they arrive safely.
10 | OVERTURE | BSOmusic. org