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 …
In this section: 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 …
There are three key reasons why youth engagement is central to the future of orchestras.
In this section: Fostering Inclusion, Student-Centered Teaching, and Teaching Artists
In this section: Empowering Youth Voices, Creative Youth Development, and Youth Councils
Programs that center youth creativity and build youth agency can help students cope in healthy ways and flourish despite their challenges.
In this section: Creating Pathways to Conservatory and Leadership Training
Gaining the trust of local young people, learning about their needs, and responding to their interests with relevant programmatic offerings is work that is often best achieved in partnership with schools and other youth-serving organizations.
When it comes to youth engagement as a form of inclusion, signs of success are often subjective.
Engaging with Gen Z requires new modes of communication and new ways of thinking about building relationships.