OrchKids after-school programming is centered around providing equitable access to instrumental music and the development of valuable life skills such as creativity, collaboration, and leadership. Each week, every OrchKids student participates in a private or small group lesson, a music theory and creation class, an ensemble rehearsal or sectional, and an enrichment activity such as African drumming, art, gym, or community time. Before attending these classes, students receive a meal to ensure that their mind and body are prepared to learn. Students study instruments in the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion musical families and attend after-school programming 2-4 days per week. OrchKids programming is free for all students to attend.

Additionally, students at the Belair-Edison School are able to participate in a “bridge” program specially designed for younger students who have participated in the in-school musicianship and exploratory classes. Students that participate in this bridge program receive the components listed below which helps prepare them for integration into the larger after-school programs.

All after-school students participate in:

Students can also opt in to:

Private and small group instrumental lessons provide students with the develop the technique and skills needed to be a successful solo and ensemble musician. Twice a year in their private and small group lessons, students are evaluated in the areas of technique, musicianship, and responsibility in what we call "OrchOlympics." Through these goal-oriented assessments, students demonstrate the progress they've made over the past school year with the aim to move up to a new "Color Level." Each color level outlines goal scales, rhythms, techniques, and repertoire to help guide students' progress and advancement.

Private and small group lessons also provide students the opportunity to prepare for auditions and opportunities at outside summer camps such as Interlochen Arts Camp, Brevard Summer Institute and Festival, and Youth Orchestra Los Angeles National Festival receive audition support and guidance from their teachers and OrchKids staff. Learn more about the support OrchKids provides during the application, audition, enrollment, and travel process for outside summer camps here.

As a member of an ensemble, students become part of a musical community where the sum is greater than the whole of its parts. In an ensemble, a large group of students play through diverse repertoire in multiple genres and styles. This gives them an opportunity to develop crucial skills such as collaboration, listening as a part of music-making, leadership, and personal responsibility as a part of a team. All students in after-school programming participate in a large ensemble after their first year of instrumental instruction. Examples of large ensembles include Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, and Orchestra.

In order to further develop key life skills and encourage exploration in areas of interest outside a student’s primary instrumental studies, OrchKids provides a variety of enrichment activities such as art, recess, and African drumming classes. Additionally, OrchKids Creative Partner John Tyler hosted regular music production workshops throughout the 2022-23 school year where our students have the opportunity to produce their own piece of music in just 60 minutes.

In addition to their required ensemble participation, students can opt in to additional ensembles, such as Latin Ensemble, Brass Band, and Percussion Ensemble. These ensembles often perform at community events around Baltimore including the Mt. Vernon Monument Lighting, Fleet Week, Highlandtown Toy Drive, and more! Students participating in these ensembles meet outside of regular programming time to prepare for performance opportunities, demonstrating their commitment to music and the Baltimore community.

In addition to receiving weekly private lessons from their OrchKids Teaching Artist, select advanced students receive regular coachings from BSO musicians to support their musical growth. Once a month, BSO musicians visit the students’ OrchKids site to augment what they are learning in their weekly OrchKids lessons by helping them prepare for auditions and performances, continue developing technique, and offer mentorship on pursuing music as a career.

Throughout the year, OrchKids engages guest artists to expand students’ musical knowledge. Guest artists lead masterclasses, conduct workshops, and build upon the skills students are learning at OrchKids. BSO Artistic Partner Wordsmith, Winton Marsalis, Itzhak Perlman, and more have visited programming to engage with our students.

OrchKids has also hosted professional development opportunities for students through events facilitated by guest workshop leaders. These topics have included marketing and networking to make a career in music, financial literacy, ensemble conducting skills, writing workshops, and more.

After-School Programs

All after-school students participate in:

Students can also opt in to:

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