Engaging the Community
It is with great excitement that I write this opening dialogue for Polyphonic.org and the Engaging the Community VDP.
My work at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra has revolved around the central question: How do we create and sustain high-quality educational
environments in a cultural institution while breaking down barriers and providing accessibility for all people of all backgrounds?
During my tenure at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, it has been our goal to find efficient and innovative ways in which the symphony industry can effectively connect with the community while bringing a diverse audience
together under the unifying umbrella of quality. Further, through training, exposure and partnerships, our goal has been to reshape the
role of a cultural institution by fulfilling the needs of the community while providing artistic excellence in a diverse array of genres.
At the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, we have worked extensively in the area of large-scale supplemental music training (the DSO’s Civic Youth Ensembles), while filling the gap in music education created by the public school system. At the same time, we will focus on preventative
advocacy measures, by our staff, musicians and board, to ensure the growth and survival of music education at a macro-level (district,
regional and statewide).
I believe that the product we offer, high-quality music, is a powerful catalyst for change and can serve all people and all communities. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and be willing, with
great enthusiasm, to explore new genres, incongruous partnerships and embrace change at a rapid pace.
I look forward to participating in this exciting effort. It is my hope that we can create an open, honest and important discussion that ends in results.
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