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A Note From Nancy

01.01.2021 Donor Impact, OrKidstra In The Community

Hello there! I’m Nancy, and I graduated from the OrKidstra program in 2019. I began as a KidSinger in 2009 and started playing the violin the year after. I speak English, some French and my family and I speak Cantonese at home.

It’s amazing to think that I have been part of the OrKidstra family for over 10 years! Now that I’m part of the “OldKidstra,” I support the organization by volunteering as a Mentor. As a supporter, you too are an important part of our OrKidstra family: thank you for helping young people like me find their passion and voice through music.

My time at OrKidstra has been life-changing, and I wouldn’t trade my experience there for anything in the world. Thank you for helping make this possible!

At OrKidstra, I’ve met so many individuals who I am lucky to be able to consider family. Music develops an indescribable bond that brings individuals together. I am still in contact with many of my friends from when I was a student, including my best friend, Jen; these are connections that I know will last a lifetime! In 2018, I was also given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to Mexico and play under Maestro Gustavo Dudamel with over 150 students from 23 Sistema-inspired programs across the Americas; I was so lucky!

I am currently in my second year of studying business at the University of Ottawa. Unfortunately, everything has been moved online for the entirety of this school year due to COVID-19, but I’m grateful I can continue my classes. It’s tough to stay focused and motivated outside of the classroom environment, but I’ve learned to adapt. I’m proud to say that I’ve kept my grades up, and my hope for the future remains strong. I know that this is, in part, because of the skills I learned at OrKidstra, thanks to your support.

I have gained and improved so many essential life skills through my time at OrKidstra, including time management, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence.

Trying to balance school with going to rehearsals and practicing at home made me realize that I needed to plan my time better to fulfill all my responsibilities! As a second violin section leader, I learned how to communicate with my section to quickly and confidently demonstrate musical sections. As a business student, I have a lot of group projects. Thanks to your support for OrKidstra, I have gained the confidence to take leadership roles, which ultimately helps me perform better in school and will help me in future jobs.

Something that truly brings us all together is music.

With the current pandemic going on, it’s very easy for each of us to feel lonely. I really miss seeing my friends in person, and I was looking forward to meeting new people this school year. But something that truly brings us all together is music. At a time like this, now more than ever, we need to feel united. Unfortunately, not everyone can go back to regular schooling, which means that OrKidstra @ Home may be one of the few opportunities for students to interact with others. During the summer, when I was volunteering online with OrKidstra, I could see how eager the kids were to learn more about playing their instruments.

With your contribution this year, you can help keep the program running and give young people the chance to learn music and gain important life skills. Without OrKidstra, I would have never would have had an opportunity like that.

Once the pandemic is over, one of the first things I will do is visit my family at OrKidstra! Until then, a big virtual hug for all of you…stay safe!

Lots of love,

Nancy Szeto

OrKidstra Graduate, violin
Honours in Business Management, University of Ottawa

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

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OrKidstra
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Families are welcome to submit applications for new students throughout the year. 

Choose your Ottawa neighbourhood:

  • Centretown/West Centretown Fields

  • Thank you for your interest in OrKidstra! We are now accepting registrations for our 2022-2023 season. We are accepting children aged 5-18 for the programs listed below.


    After-school programming for our Centretown Hub runs between 4 and 6:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.

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

  • Vanier/Overbrook Fields

  • Thank you for your interest in OrKidstra! We are now accepting registrations for our 2022-2023 season. We are accepting children aged 5-18 for the programs listed below.


    After-school programming for our Vanier Hub runs between 4 and 6:30 PM on Monday and Wednesday.

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

  • Heron Gate

  • Thank you for your interest in OrKidstra! We are now accepting registrations for our 2022-2023 season. We are accepting children aged 5-18 for the programs listed below.


    After-school programming for students from the neighbourhood of Heron Gate runs between 4 and 6:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.

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

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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

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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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