Welcome Note from Marin

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your interest in OrchKids!

Since coming to Baltimore, one of my priorities has been to create a school program that combines music and mentorship to have a positive impact on Baltimore City youth.

I believe passionately that music has the power to change lives, and the BSO should lead the movement. By providing a strong foundation and developing the whole individual, we can position these students for lifelong success—success not limited to music, but in all areas of their lives.

I am thrilled to share that our program had an extremely successful four years and that the program has now grown to nearly 600 students, including Pre-K through 7th grade students. We have moved to 3 new locations in addition to Lockerman Bundy Elementary School, including New Song Academy, Mary-Ann Winterling Elementary School, and Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School, where school officials, staff and the community as a whole have wholeheartedly embraced the program.

I truly believe that every child is born a genius, filled with endless possibility. We must have high expectations for children and as long as we have high expectations and believe they can achieve, they will. They'll step up to the plate each and every time.

Sincerely,

Marin Alsop
BSO Music Director, and Founding Director, OrchKids
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra