NEWS FROM BSO ORCHKIDS !
15 Years of OrchKids
When Marin Alsop joined the BSO in 2007 , she wanted to create a music program that engaged with the diverse communities of Baltimore . She planned to build a program that offered equitable access to music , especially instrumental music , and used music as a vehicle for students to develop 21st century skills ( such as creativity , collaboration , leadership ) that would be transferable to all areas of their lives . With this vision , Marin Alsop ( Music Director Laureate of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and OrchKids Founder ) shaped OrchKids into the cornerstone of the BSO ’ s community engagement efforts across the city .
OrchKids was founded a year later , in 2008 , with 30 students at one elementary school with seed funding from Marin Alsop and Founding Donors Rheda Becker and Robert E . Meyerhoff . Over the years , OrchKids has been recognized on both national and local levels . This includes receiving the 2013 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from former First Lady Michelle Obama , performing with the BSO during a Raven ’ s half-time show as well as countless times at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall , and features in media outlets including PBS , The New York Times , 60 Minutes , and The Washington Post . OrchKids has served thousands of students in Baltimore , performed at countless venues across the city , and sent hundreds of students to prestigious summer camps around the country .
As we begin our 15th year of programming , we are projecting to serve 1,800 students at seven sites across the city and are excited to share that we are evolving our
programming to provide deeper engagement for our students . This includes the introduction of private instruction , smaller group classes , and a greater emphasis on ensembles . Additionally , we will
Above : The OrchKids Cross-Site Orchestra performing at the “ Music in Full Bloom ” concert at Highlandtown Elementary / Middle School # 215 .
continue to provide service coordination to social services to meet the needs of OrchKids families .
The BSO and the OrchKids team invites you all to join in on the celebration as we continue to invest in the youth of Baltimore and the future of our city ! Stay up to date with all things OrchKids on social media (@ bsoorchkids on Facebook and Instagram ) and be on the lookout for more information about our 15th year in the next OrchKids newsletter ( orchkids . org / news ) and future editions of Overture magazine !
Below : Harriet Tubman Elementary School – the first OrchKids site !
SEPT-OCT 2022 / OVERTURE 29