A Matching Challenge
OrchKids also reimagined its summer model, relocating from Goucher College to its Highlandtown Elementary / Middle School( HEMS) hub and serving 200 students in its largest Summer Session to date. The season concluded with a Summer Concert at the Meyerhoff, establishing a new tradition that will continue in 2026-27. Beyond HEMS, the summer brought another milestone as 41 students were accepted to prestigious out-ofstate music camps, up from 14 the prior year, including Blue Lake, Interlochen, and Archipelago Project. These opportunities, together with students attending local music camps, were made possible through nearly $ 100,000 in external scholarships, supplemented by dedicated donor support for travel, supplies, and residential expenses.
Most importantly, OrchKids continued to foster the strong sense of community that defines the program. Students represented 71 different schools yet maintained an exceptional 97 % average daily attendance rate in after-school programming. Among the program’ s 250 instrumental music students, 45 % have participated in OrchKids for three or more years. With a growing body of evidence-based data and outcome tracking, OrchKids was also recognized by the National Organization for Arts in Health( NOAH) for its measurable contributions to student health and well-being.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
A Matching Challenge
The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, a longstanding donor, deepened its investment in the program through both renewed operating support and a new philanthropic challenge. The first in a three-year matching initiative invited donors to amplify their impact while helping strengthen OrchKids’ future. The response was extraordinary: As of August 31, 2026, 38 individual and institutional supporters contributed $ 141,192 in new and / or increased gifts, unlocking the Foundation’ s full $ 100,000 matching grant for year one. The challenge enters its second year in 2026-27 with an expanded matching goal of $ 200,000.
The Angell Foundation Match Challenge inspired us to make an increased, multi-year grant to help fund OrchKids’ planned expansion and ensure that students in City Schools continue to receive equitable access to yearround instruction and programming.
Kate Rawson Powell, Lockhart Vaughan Foundation, Executive Director
Pictured: OrchKids Summer Session students and coach.
Photo credit: Jocelyn Abrahamzon
2025-26 YEAR IN REVIEW 13