Collaborations

Here is a cool audio-visual tool for guiding students, concert attendees—really, anyone—into greater enjoyment and understanding of classical music.

In a Thai border town, violin lessons are building community among Burmese refugees.

Some of the UK’s biggest musicians are calling on UK politicians to restore funding for music education.

If you’re a young artist or band in Europe using music to raise awareness about social issues, you may have a shot at performing at the upcoming European Youth Event (June 13–14) in Strasbourg, France.

Few would disagree that imagining and constructing something good for humanity, in a place where vast harm has been done, is a creative act. Therefore, the completion of The Ensemble House in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina can be seen as one of the world’s great creative triumphs in recent years.

The world enjoys Maori culture through its vivid kapa haka (performances of song, dance, and chant) and the famous haka displayed at All Blacks rugby games. There are no piupiu, poi, or taiaha (traditional garments, food, or weapons) at Sistema Whangarei–Toi Akorangi, in New Zealand’s far north, and yet Maori principles are quietly, seamlessly woven through the fabric of our program. They create the foundations for endless possibility.

When I learned that the organization Equity Arc was presenting a wind symphony concert and learning intensive that brought together under-represented youth musicians and the USMB, I was ecstatic. This was a chance to stand beside my idols, the individuals I’d looked up to since first discovering them. I prepared like never before. And, eventually, the hard work paid off: I was selected. It felt surreal; finally, a chance to perform with my heroes, my mentors, my friends.

The excitement grew for weeks…until February 24, when I received a dreadful email that stated: “In accordance with recent Executive Orders impacting DEI-related programming for federal agencies, the Marine Band has been instructed to cancel our collaboration.”

SIMM’s (Social Impact of Music Making) April 15 submission deadline is fast approaching for their two events this fall.

Musicians wield powerful tools for strengthening diplomatic relations: their instruments.

El Sistema USA is hosting two regional gatherings this year, bringing together program leaders, teaching artists, and students from across the country for community-building and professional development.