Youth Engagement – Introduction

As orchestras work toward greater equity, diversity, and inclusion, can any group be more important to the future of the art form than youth? Each successive generation of Americans is more diverse in terms of race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity, and each is increasingly concerned for equity in the workplace. To engage with Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012, now in their teens and twenties) is to engage with the diversity of our communities, and to face up to our shortcomings when it comes to inclusion. Younger and more diverse generations expect us to up our game. And when we do, we can expect to see transformation, both in our institutions and in our art form.

Through an educational lens, orchestras have already done much creative and effective work in concerts for families and schools, classroom residencies, coaching for young musicians, and so much more. But through an inclusion lens, many have a long way to go in attracting and cultivating future musicians, leaders, and audiences from all backgrounds in ways that respect and help to address the serious challenges faced by today’s youth. This Catalyst Guide from the League of American Orchestras shows the steps that League member orchestras are taking to center youth creativity, empower youth voices, and develop pathways to careers onstage and off, all while communicating with young people on their own terms. These are forms of inclusion that combat “adultism” (the devaluing or patronization of young people’s views and contributions) and that can unlock the new thinking needed by our institutions if we are to remain vibrant and relevant.

The majority (73%) of professional U.S. orchestras offer Education and Community Engagement (EdCE) programs to their communities, and there are an estimated 400 youth orchestras operating across the country. Read more in Orchestras at a Glance.