Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Your Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra understands the value of diversity in the audience and on stage. But with only 4% of conservatory students being African American or Latino, attracting a diverse group of musicians is challenging. Our answer? Create a career pipeline for underrepresented populations. By coupling programmatic and financial support with mentoring from CSO musicians and conductors, we foster the talent of young musicians from their first note to their first seat in a professional orchestra. Your support is what makes this all possible.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing how your donation is making a difference in the lives of young musicians and introducing you to some of the programs and students we are working with to promote diversity within the classical music world.

John Morris Russell with MYCincinnati kids

John Morris Russell conducts MYCincinnati Kids in 2012

First up are the students of MYCincinnati, a free youth orchestra program for children in grades k-12 in the Price Hill neighborhoods. This diverse group of young people gather after school every week day for two hours to study music in an old firehouse. “They started with hopes and dreams and a half dozen instruments,” says Conductor John Morris Russell, who has extended the CSO's encouragement and support over the past five years, “and they’ve built something extraordinary."

“When I first started conducting for the Pops,” Russell says, “I hadn’t been here but a couple weeks and Laura Jekel (MYCincinnati founder) was on the phone asking for my help. Of course I said yes,” Mr. Russell says, adding that he didn’t know what to expect.

“When I got there, they were meeting in a tiny storefront. They had about ten kids who been playing only for a couple months. I thought to myself, ‘Roll up your sleeves, John, and do what you can.’ The focus at that point was on basic technique and sharing our admiration of their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work."

Over the years, as the group grew in numbers and experience, Russell was able to talk with the kids about more advanced material – dynamics, musicality. CSO Musicians like cellists Alan Rafferty and Alicia Weilerstein also visited with the students to offer their support.

Five years later, there are 90 kids in the program, with several ensembles at different levels. “Naturally, the beginning group is still focused on basics, but the other ensembles are playing at a much higher level and the Ambassador Ensemble is really excellent, with truly sophisticated musical expression.” Several members of the Ambassador Ensemble now attend the School for Creative and Performing Arts, and have plans to continue in music professionally.

JMR with MYCincinnati in 2013

All of the students, Russell says, play with an infectious enthusiasm and joy. “When you see the brightness of their eyes and smiles, their passion and joy, you know something extraordinary is happening. Year after year, I've seen firsthand how music is making a difference in their lives, and I'm honored to have been able to play a small role in making that happen.”

Dear Music Supporter

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