NEWS FROM BSO ORCHKIDS !
The Evolution of OrchKids
“ How can we evolve the OrchKids model to provide the most meaningful programming to students and families in Baltimore ?” This is the question OrchKids staff asked ourselves every day leading up to the 15th year of programming . Countless meetings as an OrchKids team , town halls with OrchKids families and teachers , and conversations with key partners and stakeholders lead to many exciting changes to the structure of the OrchKids after-school model . In addition to the changes listed below , we are proud to offer more intentional scheduling for students and families with busy schedules that allows them to attend programming two days a week while continuing to offer programming four days a week for students that are interested in maintaining a robust schedule .
EMPHASIS ON ENSEMBLES
PRIVATE LESSONS
For the first time in our 15-year history , we are excited to implement private lessons as a core part of OrchKids after-school programming . In this exciting addition to the program , advanced and committed students receive one-on-one instruction to work on technique , musicality , audition repertoire , and more .
SMALL GROUP LESSONS
Another key component to creating more meaningful musical experiences for our students is reducing the student-to-teacher ratio in group classes . This year , group classes have a maximum of three students , a stark contrast to previous years where group classes could have as many as eight students . Reducing the studentto-teacher ratio enhances musical growth and helps build teacher-student relationships .
Any musician knows that practicing on your own is well and good , but playing with other people is something truly special . As a member of an ensemble , students become part of a musical community where the sum is greater than the whole of its parts . This year , every student performs in an ensemble . These ensembles rehearse weekly either as a full ensemble or in sectionals . Experience playing in an ensemble not only improves one ’ s musical skills , but also life skills including collaboration , creativity , and communication .
AFTER-SCHOOL MUSICIANSHIP OFFERINGS EXPANDED
At the Belair-Edison School , after-school programming expanded to welcome new students and offer new musical opportunities . The advanced musicianship program that began last year welcomed a new cohort of first and second graders to expand upon concepts learned in their in-school OrchKids classes . Meanwhile , select students from last year ’ s pioneer cohort are continuing their musical journey by learning how to play the violin in small group classes and thus taking another step towards becoming integrated with the larger after-school programs .
NOV-DEC 2022 / OVERTURE 27