October, 2011

  1. Take a Stand – A New Initiative for Educators

    The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bard College and the Longy School of Music have announced a new initiative inspired by Venezuela’s famed music training program El Sistema. The new program, called Take A Stand, will offer regular conferences and workshops for educators, and a masters degree program. Gustavo Dudamel and Deborah Borda are both appearing at our October 23rd event and it will be interesting to hear more about their vision for the program.

    We believe this national alliance will inspire and lead change in music education, addressing both a public and musical imperative that is cried out for today. We are partnering to invest in the mission of music as a fundamental and essential human right. -Deborah Borda

    Read the press release | coverage in the LA Times.


  2. Speaker spotlight: Afa Sadykhly Dworkin

    Afa Sadykhly Dworkin is the  Vice President of Programming and Artistic Director for the Sphinx Organization in Detroit. She will be joining us for our October 23 live event. Here is an introduction to the Sphinx Organization, featuring an interview with Ms. Dworkin. “Sphinx is working towards a future where every young person, regardless of their cultural background, can make classical music a part of their everyday life.”


  3. The Power of Community

    The Michigan Pops Orchestra puts on only a few concerts a year, yet regularly draws over 1500 paying audience members. Mark Clague, co-moderator of our live events and professor at the University of Michigan, takes a look at how community makes it possible:

    When orchestras are deeply integrated with their communities, the authentic connections that motivate listeners to action become increasingly likely. Today, I think these connections are likely more powerful person-to-person than institution-to-customer, so it’s vital that those involved with an orchestra share news of their love of the ensemble and its music… Read article.