Interviews

WYPR 88.1 FM - How the BSO's OrchKids Is Growing Baltimore Bassists

OrchKids is a music education program for children from pre-kindergarten through the 7th grade that the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra began 5 years ago. The OrchKids approach is modeled on a national program in Venezuela known as “El Sistema.” The system in Venezuela, among its many accomplishments, has produced one of the most high profile musicians on the scene today: the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel.

The OrchKids program has only been in place five years, so its students haven't directed any symphonies--yet. But they're learning the bass, viola, clarinet--and many other instruments. Tom Hall visits a rehearsal at Lockerman Bundy Elementary School in West Baltimore, and brings us this reported piece.

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WYPR 88.1 FM - The Signal

WYPR Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith has followed the OrchKids program since its launch in May 2008. In this extensive segment, he talks to BSO Music Director Marin Alsop, Director of Artistic Program Development Dan Trahey, philanthropist and BSO education committee member Rheda Becker and others who have helped shape the program's growth. This segment also includes the OrchKids first performance in a subscription concert with the BSO, on March 31 and April 2, 2011, performing David Rimelis' OrchKids Nation.

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WYPR 88.1 FM - Midday With Dan Roddricks

WYPR used its midday hour to discuss two programs for schoolchildren that help to nurture the next generation of musicians in Baltimore. Dan Roddrick spoke with Dan Trahey, artistic director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's OrchKids program and the Peabody Conservatory's Tuned-In program; Catherine Washburn, Baltimore Talent Education Center (BTEC) board member; and classical cellist Troy Stuart, a graduate of BTEC and other Baltimore City music programs.

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WYPR 88.1 FM

The BSO would like to share with you the story of OrchKids as recently told by Fraser Smith of WYPR 88.1 FM. In 2008, the BSO touched more lives than ever before through music thanks to the generosity of so many of our patrons.  If you haven’t yet, please consider a gift to sustain the BSO’s innovative and compelling education programs, such as OrchKids, that make such a vital difference in our community.

replace this Click here to listen to the WYPR segment or click here  to
             read the article.

             Audio of Fraser Smith’s commentary provided courtesy of WYPR

NPR's Weekend Edition

OrchKids is changing lives one music note at a time and, thanks in part to this news segment, all of America is listening. NPR Weekend Edition correspondent Ari Schapiro brought the story of the OrchKids into homes throughout the country, garnering a flood of support from individuals from all over the United States. To those who pledged support, donated instruments or expressed their encouragement, we thank you and invite you to continue with us on this exciting journey—building brighter futures for Baltimore’s youth through the transformative power of music.

 Click here to listen to this wonderfully heartwarming and
              inspiring story about the OrchKids program.

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