Youth Engagement – Executive Summary: Key Takeaways

In this section:

• Empowering Youth by Fostering Growth and Inclusion
• Securing the Future Through Youth Engagement
• Inclusivity: The Foundation of Youth Engagement
• Empowering Youth Voices in Orchestras
• Creating Safe Spaces and Building Trust
• Transforming Orchestras Through Youth Engagement

Empowering Youth by Fostering Growth and Inclusion

Youth, professional, and community orchestras all have the ability to foster young people’s growth as artists and leaders, in ways that promote ownership of the artform and an authentic sense of belonging. By building trust, respect, and collaboration through music, orchestras help create inclusive communities where each individual’s experiences, identities, and interests are honored. Using approaches such as student-centered teaching and Creative Youth Development can empower young people to find their authentic voices and build agency and confidence alongside musical competence.

Read more in Chapter 2: Youth Experience

Securing the Future Through Youth Engagement

Professional and community orchestras that actively engage and welcome youth are not only performing a vital civic service, but are also ensuring their own future vibrancy, sustainability, and relevance. Connecting with young people, adapting to their needs, and learning from their worldviews can elevate our organizations, ensure our relevance in a rapidly changing landscape, and transform the future of the art form itself. Now is the time to bring the whole organization together to authentically and consistently embrace new generations and explore what makes us truly valuable to the communities we serve.

Read more in Chapter 1: Why Youth Engagement?, Chapter 6: Evaluating Impact, and Chapter 7: Communicating with Gen Z

Inclusivity: The Foundation of Youth Engagement

Inclusivity and belonging are critical to all efforts to engage a youth population that is increasingly diverse in terms of race, sexual identity, and gender orientation, and that is focused on new socio-economic priorities. Youth orchestras often lead the way in this work.

Read more in Chapter 2: Youth Experience

Empowering Youth Voices in Orchestras

Youth orchestras place young people’s individual interests and identities at the heart of their programs, and many professional and community orchestras are now following their example. As a result, youth are not only shaping their own learning journeys but are also inspiring new initiatives and innovative artistic works. In the most progressive orchestras, young people are contributing fresh perspectives to management and governance or composing fresh new works, becoming vital changemakers where they’re needed most. Furthermore, some orchestras are creating inclusive pathways for young people towards both musician and management roles, ensuring a future for the field that is diverse, dynamic, and bold.

Read more in Chapter 2: Youth Experience and Chapter 4: Broadening Opportunity

Creating Safe Spaces and Building Trust

Youth, professional and community orchestras all have a responsibility to foster a safe environment for the youth they serve, especially considering the mental health challenges faced by many young people and the ongoing marginalization of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It is essential to continually evaluate the impact of our efforts on each individual’s life and to implement trauma-informed practices that protect today’s youth. Collaborating with other organizations trusted by young people is crucial for our success—these partnerships not only provide critical expertise and broaden the opportunities we can offer, but also help us establish a safe, supportive environment and build trust.

Read more in Chapter 3: Mental Health and Chapter 5: Partnerships

Transforming Orchestras Through Youth Engagement

Prioritizing effective youth engagement can significantly transform professional and community orchestras for the better. The expertise of education and community engagement (EdCE) staff in listening to and responding to young people’s needs can enhance many aspects of orchestra operations, from audience experience and marketing to strategic planning. To realize this potential, strong leadership is essential, along with a thorough assessment of departmental needs and a commitment to balancing tradition with the need for change.

Read more in Chapter 7: Communicating with Gen Z and Chapter 8: Integrating Youth Engagement

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