Community Impact and Engagement: Orchestra Story Bank
This Story Bank is a resource to show the many ways in which orchestras serve communities, providing the first-hand perspective of musicians, families, and community partners.
Through the power of music, collaboration, and collective action, orchestras serve the public in many ways. Just as the needs of one community differ greatly from those of another, each orchestra develops programs, partnerships, and performances that provide unique value to their community.
San Diego Symphony, Star Wars Concert (Photo courtesy of San Diego Symphony)
Stories will be added on a rotating basis, so revisit this page to see new examples of orchestras in action. See the Archive for past stories.
Photo Credit: Khue Bui
Los Angeles Philharmonic Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel delivered an inspiring keynote address about the importance of the arts, especially for young people. Recipients of the 2015 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal, their families, and Washington DC leaders and dignitaries were present at the event.
Read his full remarks
San Francisco Symphony: SoundBox News piece from KQED Arts |
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra: Frank Foerster, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Principal Violist and NJSO Violinist James Tsao |
Contributing to Strong, Healthy Communities Orchestras are a magnet for business, investment, and tourism, helping to revitalize neighborhoods and heal communities during times of adversity. |
Grand Rapids Symphony: Music For Health Alika Seu, Spectrum Health Music Therapist |
Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra: Integral to the Local Economy Map of Economic Partners |
Yakima Symphony Orchestra: Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA) Jose Vazquez, Father |
El Paso Symphony Orchestra: Tocando Karen Peters, Tocando Program Director |
How Can Orchestras Become More Diverse? A discussion in Symphony Magazine
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Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: #BSOPeace Marin Alsop, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Music Director |
Interested in more? See the Archive for past stories!
The Orchestra Story Bank is made possible, in part, thanks to a generous grant from the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.
Please address any questions about this rotating collection of examples to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .