Dedicated to supporting students through every step of their musical journey, OrchKids is investing in advanced instruments for students who want to pursue music after high school. Access to advanced instruments is a crucial component to musical growth as these instruments allow the musician to truly shine, taking the technique, tone development, and musicality they learned on their beginner instrument to new heights. Furthermore, these advanced instruments will often become the first instrument our students own. After they graduate high school, OrchKids students will officially be gifted the instrument to use throughout their college studies and beyond.

Recently, Ashley, 10th grade flutist, was selected to choose an advanced flute from our long-time partner, Menchey Music. Ashley recalls that she tried out 5 different flutes, eventually deciding on one with a beautiful, rich tone that she is excited to grow into. She's looking forward to debuting it at the OrchKids Winter Spectaculars and an upcoming recital at Baltimore School for the Arts, and eventually owning this instrument that she has already become attached to!

Supporting her through this process was Ms. Alejandra, Flute Teaching Artist, who said:

"To pick out your own instrument for the first time is like finding your voice."

"It’s a deeply personal process, and it gives you the opportunity to decide what qualities you are specifically looking for in tone, the feel of the mechanism in your hands, and the response of various extremes in your playing… Ashley is the kind of student who is ready for equipment that matches all of the nuance and detail she is trying to express through her technique. This beautiful new instrument will allow her facility in expression just as much as it offers room for discovery and further growth that will take her well into preparing for college auditions and high level performances. It is truly so rare that young musicians get the opportunity to go through this process and choose what really feels right for them. I am absolutely thrilled for all the possibilities that await her and feel so lucky to have been able to support her in this next step toward following her dreams.”