OrchKids Celebrates the Launch of Two New Programs
The after-school choir track and Pathways program offer more opportunities for students to pursue their musical ambitions and develop life skills
OrchKids is back in session, with two exciting new programs that are making music accessible to even more Baltimore students.
The new OrchKids choir track currently serves 40 K – 4 grade students and meets twice a week at the organization’ s after-school hub-sites: Highlandtown Elementary / Middle School # 237 on the eastside, and Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School on the westside. In keeping with OrchKids comprehensive support, all choir students are provided free transportation to their after-school hub-site and safely home. Most importantly, choir students have access to a welcoming space where they are free to be themselves, continue learning, and sing together.
“ With the creation of the choir program, we hope to reach more students in Baltimore, spreading the joy of making music, building community, providing performance opportunities, and developing key life skills including leadership, collaboration, and personal responsibility,” said Nick Skinner, Vice President of OrchKids.
For longtime OrchKids students, the new Pathways program offers an advanced performance track, designed for a select group of highachieving students who demonstrate consistent engagement and dedication to their instrument. Students are given upgraded instruments, and are provided with financial assistance for college applications and auditions. This track is recommended for those envisioning a future in music education, performance, or other professional careers within the music industry.
The program launched this fall with two outstanding OrchKids students: Baden, an 11 th grade violinist and Marin Alsop Citizenship Award winner, and Jayden, a 7 th grade trombonist known for his electrifying energy in the Brass
Band. Both students received coaching from BSO musicians in the past, and will now have more regular private lessons as part of the Pathways program. Additionally, Baden and Jayden will experience more intense solo performance requirements, audition prep work, and music theory lessons. As Pathways continues to evolve, OrchKids hopes to serve up to 10 students, aiming to prepare them for a career in music.
“ OrchKids has long been focused on making music accessible for all students in Baltimore, and over the past 17 years, we’ ve seen our students grow as people
Jayden, a 7th grade trombonist, and Baden, an 11th grade violinist, are the first students to participate in OrchKids ' Pathways program.
and as musicians,” Skinner said.“ Our most dedicated students would often find a ceiling at our program, where they felt they no longer had room to grow and would look elsewhere to continue their musical journey. Now, we have raised the ceiling, creating space for these students to continue developing their musical skills at OrchKids.”
OrchKids continues to make music education accessible to every student in Baltimore, and ensures students can not only pursue their unique musical goals, but learn essential skills transferable to all areas of their life.
The new OrchKids after-school choir program creates more opportunities for students to experience music and learn key life skills.
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