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Dear Friends,

I’m often reminded that the League’s impact reaches nationwide, across state lines and into Canada. Your support helps the League share ideas, develop the next generation of orchestra leaders, and provide valuable resources that make a difference for orchestras across the country. I hope you enjoy reading about some of the ways you have helped us move the field forward.

The League’s recent survey of more than 100 youth and adult orchestras explores how orchestras are building stronger connections with their communities through education and community engagement programs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach as each orchestra is responding to its own community, its own partners, and its own capacity. Download the report on Orchestras Building Community Through Education and Engagement to explore the stories and ideas shaping this important work.

This spring, the League welcomed six new participants to the 2026–2027 Anne Parsons Leadership Program, a yearlong program designed to support the next generation of orchestra leaders. Named in honor of the late Anne Parsons, a transformative leader and mentor in the orchestra field, this program helps participants build the skills, experience, and connections needed to take on senior leadership roles. Just as importantly, it creates a community of mentorship, coaching, and support that continues well beyond the program year. I’m excited to see how these leaders put what they learn into practice, and grateful that the League can support their leadership journeys. Meet the 2026–2027 cohort.

The League recently updated its popular Effective Orchestra Governance: A Guide for Boards, offering an expanded and refreshed resource for boards, where inspired leadership, healthy cultures, and sustainable business models are essential to building strong orchestras and organizations. Whether orchestras are welcoming new board members, preparing for a board retreat, or looking for a resource to spark conversation about roles and responsibilities, this guide offers practical ideas and guidance. Download the updated guide and share it with your fellow board members.

In addition to resources for the field, your philanthropic support enables the League to advocate for the issues that matter to orchestras and ensure the field’s voice is heard in Washington, D.C. National Arts in Education Week (September 13–19) is one example of that work. The League’s D.C. team is highlighting the importance of school-based music education while equipping orchestras with tools and strategies to make their voices heard in their own communities.

If your orchestra is participating, tag the League (@orchleague) and #AIEWeek so we can help illustrate the collective impact of orchestras speaking up for arts education.

Our work is possible because of people like you who believe the orchestra field is stronger when we connect orchestras, invest in their people, and make valuable resources available to everyone.

Thank you for your partnership!

With gratitude,

Simon Woods

Simon Woods
President and CEO
League of American Orchestras

Photo credits: Youth Orchestra of St. Luke’s de La Bruyère Youth Symphony finds common ground with professional Orchestra of St. Luke’s musicians, in a side-by-side concert, photo by DeShaun Craddock; Anne Parsons Leadership Program participants at Conference, photo by Amy Raab Photography; cover of Effective Orchestra Governance; young musicians at BRAVO Youth Orchestras celebrate after their spring concert, photo by Richard Kolbell.

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