Gather Together

 
The Ensemble seeks to connect and inform all people who are committed to ensemble music education for youth empowerment and social change.

(Re)Understanding Creativity

04-03-2024

It’s easy for us, as teaching artists, to believe that all humans can access creativity. As the leader of ArtistYear and a practicing teaching artist myself, I understand the inclination. Any notion suggesting otherwise seems to challenge fundamental beliefs about our purpose—if there are people who can’t access creativity, then a place exists where teaching artistry is rendered ineffective. With this line of thinking, however, some nuance in the conversation is lost.

Art Heals: Arts as a basic need in humanitarian settings

03-05-2024

I have worked in the humanitarian sector for almost 15 years, in both Jordan and Lebanon, which have the highest refugees per capita in the world. In that time, I’ve learned thousands of life stories: of people who lost their homes, their possessions, and their established lives; of traumatized children and departed loved ones; of extreme health crises, both mental and physical. Yet, despite the hardships they reveal, these stories have always been more about bravery, strength, resilience, faith, and love.

Safe Spaces in Unsafe Places: Talking with Lucas Dols of Sounds of Change

02-07-2024

When we last spoke to Sounds of Change Founder and Director Lucas Dols, in 2022, he was hopeful about an upcoming year of growth for the organization… Seventeen months later, the world is no less difficult or overwhelming for young people looking to find their way. With a focus on those who are most affected by violence and displacement abroad, we talked with Lucas about the work Sounds of Change is doing to help.

 

Foster Invests in the Next Generation of African Music

06-21-2023

Foster, a new initiative launched on June 2 by the African Music Library, is expanding opportunities for African music education in primary and secondary schools across the continent.

Celebrate Make Music Day

06-21-2023

Today is the 41st annual World Music Day, or Fête de la Musique, a worldwide celebration of free and accessible music.

Apply for the Arts for Good Fellowship

06-21-2023

Adults are living longer, but support systems for older adults are not keeping up with this growing demographic. Luckily, arts workers at the intersection of aging and wellbeing are uniquely qualified to step in.

New Music and Arts in Action Issue Looks Back to Move Forward

06-21-2023

We always champion the social impact of orchestral programs serving youth around the world, and part of that advocacy is a need to self-reflect and revisit our ideas with fresh eyes. To that end, the latest issue of Music and Arts in Action is worth a read.

‘Because Boys’ Strikes a Chord with Young Men in Australia

06-21-2023

A 16yearold’s song is letting young men in Australia know it’s okay to express their emotions. Because Boyswas written by Rory Phillips as part of the Boys’ Vocal Program in New South Wales.

The Conference of the Birds

06-21-2023

Drawing inspiration from a Sufi poem about a flock of birds searching for the meaning of life, Teach for India has dreamed up a beautifully unique artistic vision of modern India. Promoting liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice, The Conference of the Birds is a Sufi and Hamilton-inspired hop hop production co-created by Teach for India students and alumni and other performing artists.

Creative Change Project Tackles Social Inequity through Music

06-21-2023

What is community music’s role in addressing social inequality? The Creative Change project is hoping to answer this question through a series of research-informed projects with Aboriginal communities across Australia.

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