ORCHKIDS
The return to in-person programming for OrchKids was a time of persistence , commitment , and triumphs . Ultimately 1,897 students engaged in no-cost , in-school and after-school programming during the academic year across nine dedicated sites , drawing from more than 27 Baltimore City Schools . Included in this enrollment were ~ 150 students participating in the afterschool instrumental program , inclusive of Saturday private lessons for highly motivated students . With partners helping to offer pathways to personal enrichment , mental health and wellness , and fun , our students excelled . In musical assessments , 68 % of students progressed to the next level of musicianship compared to 60 % in the last ( virtual ) year .
In addition to welcoming our first class of OrchKids alumni as staff , mentors , and teaching artists , we achieved other milestones such as our first performances in two years – concerts featuring 7th grader Nyla Hill in her conducting debut . In addition to conducting lessons for middle and high schoolers like Nyla from BSO Associate Conductor Jonathan Rush , Artistic Partner Wordsmith shared poetry and song with our youngest students . We also developed new plans to deepen the program ’ s artistic and social excellence in time for our 15th anniversary year . We introduced a new pay structure to help hire exceptional talent , increase market competitiveness , and retain the great teachers we have on staff ; and we invested in new software to better track ( confidential ) student data .
BY THE NUMBERS
12,112
HOURS OF
INSTRUCTION
89 %
DAILY
ATTENDANCE
TWO
GRADUATES ATTENDING
COLLEGE THIS FALL
A Summer Home
For three weeks in June and July , 150 OrchKids students descended on the campus of
Goucher College for an immersive , 5-day per week summer music camp experience . At the same time , nearly 40 OrchKids students attended formative ( inter ) national music camps . The partnership of Goucher College , the anonymous gifts of friends of the BSO and Goucher , and the increased giving of long loyal supporters like Dave and Tom Imre made these experiences possible .
“ OrchKids ability to keep music alive with Baltimore City school children is such an important element in building our community ’ s culture and future . We were particularly happy to support the summer program at Goucher this year as an investment in our talented Baltimore City children , one they so deserve .”
Dave and Tom Imre
12 | BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA