NEWS FROM BSO ORCHKIDS !
In 2018 , OrchKids launched its first fellowship program in an effort to attract even more high-quality music teachers who have a passion for using music as a vehicle for social change to Baltimore .
Through this two-year program , fellows gain experience in the areas of teaching , administration , and performance . Fellows teach both private and large group lessons , embracing OrchKids ’ educational philosophy : to simultaneously foster both students ’ excellence in instrumental skills ( such as technique and learning standard repertoire ) and creativity ( such as improvisation and composition ).
Each fellow also has the opportunity to build in-depth non-profit management skills in one or more areas of their choice , including development , education , operations , and marketing . They work closely with an OrchKids team member or mentor to help build these administrative skills through hands-on projects as they learn about the OrchKids model for social change through music . As teaching artists , fellows plan and curate a community engagement concert each year , building entrepreneurial skills as they use their art to connect with the neighborhood .
Madelynn Brady Mallory Carnes Sheila Angela Esquivel Brie Nunley Alejandra Santillanes
WE ARE THRILLED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR FELLOWS :
Madelynn Brady “ I wanted to join the OrchKids team because my values and aspirations regarding social change through music strongly aligned with their mission statement ; we can knock down barriers and rebuild community and strength in children by enlightening them to their potential , both musically and globally .”
Mallory Carnes “ I ’ m excited to join the OrchKids team because I started playing an instrument in a public school system . It was such a transformative experience that I ' m hoping I can share that same level of inspiration with my new students !”
Sheila Angela Esquivel “ The BSO OrchKids Fellowship is only the beginning of my journey as a teaching artist and is the ultimate culminating step of my El Sistema journey . The fellowship has provided me with the tools and path to be able to give back to communities , such as my own back home , that need arts education the most . OrchKids ’ mission is one that resonates with me more than I could put into words . I strive to bring the values of the organization into my students ’ lives through my classroom , lesson plans , and ultimately the performances we give to our community , as we strive to not only change one individual ' s life , but all of Baltimore as a whole .”
Brie Nunley “ I ’ m so excited to invest in the Baltimore community while reaching it through the arts !”
Alejandra Santillanes “ Music has made all the difference in my life , not just in my career choices , but as a human being navigating what it means to become who I want to be . I joined the OrchKids team because I see the collaborative , creative , and supportive spaces they create for our students , and I want to help our young people on their journey towards discovering what music means to them and how they can carry their musical skills into all aspects of their lives .”
NOV-DEC 2021 / OVERTURE 29