A Note from Ms. Tina

Amid the global upheaval caused by COVID-19, it has become increasingly clear that we need music in our lives, now more than ever. 

Music holds the power to help us heal, the ability to help us rebuild, the connection to give us hope.

Thanks to your ongoing support, OrKidstra continues to help almost 625* local children and youth from under-served communities reach for success through music. It has been incredibly inspiring to see how our OrKidstra students, teachers, volunteers, Board, and staff have adapted, innovated, and thrived in the face of so many challenges.

In mid-March 2020, the halls of OrKidstra fell silent but, guided by OrKidstra’s spirit of love, courage, and excellence, the harmony began to rise again… 

Within ten days, we launched our free online programming, OrKidstra @ Home.

The music played on—line! 

Our commitment was, and is, to connect our students to their community and build essential skills – like dedication, perseverance, and self-confidence – through the joys and challenges of music. Although children and youth have faced unprecedented challenges in 2020, we are proud that the majority of OrKidstra students continue to be involved. We know that the impacts of COVID-19 have been hardest for those living in poverty – and in some OrKidstra neighbourhoods, the child poverty rate remains shockingly high at over 50%.

I recently wrote to our students to encourage them during this difficult time. I shared with them, “… how much I miss seeing you all the time. I miss the beauty and magic you create; I miss the energy, the laughter, and joy. But then I go into the Zoom online classes, and there you all are ♥.  I want to thank you for your incredible commitment during this challenging time.”

Did you know that one of OrKidstra’s goals is to cultivate and grow “grit” in our students?  

What on earth is “grit,” you may ask? Grit is the ability to persist in something you feel passionate about and persevere when you face obstacles. Grit is a predictor of success in life**; I think we can confidently say that our OrKidstra family is “gritty!”  

This family also extends to you – the ongoing commitment of “gritty” community friends and advocates like you is integral to OrKidstra’s success!

We are proud to share that again this year, 100% of our OrKidstra graduates have gone on to the next steps of their education! Over the holiday season, we’ve invited a diverse range of voices, including our graduates, to share their OrKidstra stories; please stay tuned to hear directly from our teachers, students, “OldKidstra,” and volunteers about what OrKidstra means to them. I’ve read some of the stories already, and I was incredibly moved by what they had to say. I think you will love reading them as well.

Upon reflection, what is clear to me is that our extraordinary family adapted, innovated, and changed this year, but what didn’t change was the love. 

Now, more than ever, we need music in our lives. Now, more than ever, we remained connected as an OrKidstra family through the joy, hope, and power of music. Now, more than ever, let’s sing and play every note with love.

Thank you for showing your love this season by donating to OrKidstra.

Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, and creative year ahead.

With much love,

Tina

P.S. To help cut down on paper, we’re encouraging everyone to use the safe and secure online donation option on our website at orkidstra.ca. If you prefer to send a cheque or call, we’re also here for you – please call 613.233.0166 or send a cheque to our mailing address below. Thank you!

OrKidstra – Sistema Ottawa
211 Bronson Avenue,
Studios 204 & 210
Ottawa, Ontario  K1R 6H5

*400 in-school (funded by OCDSB) and 225 after-school students
**Angela Duckworth, Founder of the non-profit Character Lab and professor at the University of Pennsylvania