A Note From Ms. Kathryn
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.
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.
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!
