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OrKidstra’s virtual office is open: click here to reach us!   |  OrKidstra @ Home classes start again on Mon., Jan. 11!

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A Note From Ms. Kathryn

07.12.2020 Donor Impact, OrKidstra In The Community

Dear OrKidstra Friend,

I hope this note finds you safe and well. My name is Kathryn Patricia Cobbler, and I have been a viola Teaching Artist with OrKidstra for the past seven years.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your care and support.

Even as we stay apart, now more than ever, this pandemic continues to highlight the importance of “togetherness.” It has called for a deeper commitment to citizenship as we each do our part to take care of one another and keep each other safe. At OrKidstra, this has been both a challenging and beautiful opportunity to re-imagine how we teach, connect, and make music in meaningful ways.

We are living in unprecedented times; though we may not be able to play our instruments safely together in the same room, the OrKidstra community continues to thrive and develop through our online connections thanks to your support.

OrKidstra @ Home online programming launched in March 2020 and continues to be rewarding for everyone involved. Although it is sometimes difficult to find those bright spots, this season is providing the opportunity for Teaching Artists to focus more on chamber works with the students, showcasing more of the student’s individual voices.

It has been amazing to see my students continue to develop their musical artistry during this challenging time.

In particular, our student “Buddy” Mentorship program has provided valuable support for our students. Rosy, one of our junior violists, has really enjoyed meeting online with her mentor, Kate, a university student. The extra practice support that Rosy receives helps to accelerate her learning, along with providing her with another wonderful role model. In this season, I continue to learn so much from my students. I am gaining a new understanding of what it means to lesson plan with my students and not just for them.

I wanted to share with you one of my favourite activities during our online hangout sessions: the silly face challenge! After the count of three, the students give their “silliest” face to the camera. This is just one simple example of the ways that we continue to laugh and find joy together.

Though we are all eager to come back together and play music in person, I feel that OrKidstra’s commitment to empowering kids and building community has never been stronger.

With over 30 online group classes running every week, the students continue to thrive in their musical learning and developing citizen artistry. Please do join us for “OrKidstra’s Virtual Winter Celebration!” on Friday, December 18 at 5:30 PM (EST), streaming live on YouTube, to see what the students have been working on. Music. Now More Than Ever!

In a time of so much uncertainty, OrKidstra @ Home continues to be a source of strength for our students and families. Every week, our students log on to their lessons with bright smiles. Their creativity and perseverance in the learning process are incredibly inspiring to me.

With your help, OrKidstra’s commitment to excellence, hope, love, and courage continues to remain at the centre of our work.

Though we are apart, through the OrKidstra @ Home program, we have deepened our connection as an OrKidstra family – thank you for this gift! All of this is because of your continued support. Thank you so much for making a donation of generosity and partnership this season.

Now more than ever, let’s come together to help build brighter futures for our young people.

 

 

 

 

Kathryn Patricia Cobbler
OrKidstra Teaching Artist

P.S. If you’ve already donated, thank you so much for your amazing gift!

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Families are welcome to submit applications for new students throughout the year. Fall class admissions for 2020 will take place in September and October. Please note, due to COVID-19, all programming will take place virtually (OrKidstra @ Home) until it is safe to return to Hub-based physical programming.

Choose your Ottawa neighbourhood:

  • Centretown/West Centretown Fields

  • Thank you for your interest in OrKidstra's online programming, OrKidstra @ Home. We are now accepting registrations for children aged 5-8 to our KiddlyWinks classes, and 8+ to our KidSingers and KidDrummers classes, beginning mid-October 2020. All classes take place after school.

    Please note: due to the restrictions of COVID-19 and the nature of our current online programming, instrumental classes will NOT be offered to new students at this time.


    Please tick the box beside the program that interests your child:

    If your child is 8+, you may select both KidDrummers and KidSingers.

  • KiddlyWinks and KidSingers Programs * Required
  • Vanier/Overbrook Fields

  • Thank you for your interest in OrKidstra's online programming, OrKidstra @ Home. We are now accepting registrations for children aged 5-8 to our KiddlyWinks classes, and 8+ to our KidSingers and KidDrummers classes, beginning mid-October 2020. All classes take place after school.

    Please note: due to the restrictions of COVID-19 and the nature of our current online programming, instrumental classes will NOT be offered to new students at this time.


    Please tick the box beside the program that interests your child:

    If your child is 8+, you may select both KidDrummers and KidSingers.

  • KiddlyWinks and KidSingers Programs * Required
  • Ledbury – Heron Gate – Ridgemont Fields

  • Thank you for your interest in OrKidstra's online programming, OrKidstra @ Home. We are now accepting registrations for children aged 5-8 to our KiddlyWinks classes, and 8+ to our KidSingers and KidDrummers classes, beginning mid-October 2020. All classes take place after school.

    Please note: due to the restrictions of COVID-19 and the nature of our current online programming, instrumental classes will NOT be offered to new students at this time.


    Please tick the box beside the program that interests your child:

    If your child is 8+, you may select both KidDrummers and KidSingers.

  • KiddlyWinks and KidSingers Programs * Required
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  • The OrKidstra program exists in order to inspire music-making in our children within a great community setting - and the goal of the OrKidstra is to make this program available to all families. The majority of our students participate free of charge.

    With this in mind, once we have reviewed your application, a fee may be requested based on your family’s financial situation. This will help cover the many costs, such as teachers, instruments and rent, ensuring that this community program will continue to be available to children who would not otherwise be able to participate. Our program will remain very affordable for all families.


    Household Financial Information (including income from abroad)*

    Please note that we may require proof of income - all information is strictly confidential

  • How did you hear about OrKidstra? * Required
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  • Please note that admission is not guaranteed. As class sizes are limited, priority will go to children who live in the Ottawa neighbourhoods listed above, as well as families of lesser means. Any students not accepted will be put on a wait-list and may be offered a spot should any become available.

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