Since I began my position as Development Assistant at the Baltimore Symphony this past July, I have been blown away by the BSO's commitment to serving the community. Thats why I am running the 5k in the Baltimore Running Festival in October!

I normally don't "run," however the BSO is a unique organization that is vital to the city of Baltimore. The BSO is not just an orchestra that plays some nice music for those who have the money to pay for it, they truly strive to make their music accessible to ALL members of the community, from all walks of life. Their education program, OrchKids, provides children in public schools with instruments, musical instruction, and mentorship. Watch the video about OrchKids on my page and you will see how music education is transforming these children's lives and in turn, the community they live in!

I consider myself a product of music education. I grew up singing in the Chorus of Westerly, in Westerly, Rhode Island, which I credit for sparking my love of music and inspiring me to choose a career in arts administration. However, I never expected my first job would be in the city of Baltimore. I never would have expected such innovative outreach and education programs to exist in an area that is generally thought of as low-income. But thanks to the BSO, children in this area can have access to world-class music education.

OrchKids is only one example of what the BSO has to offer its community. The BSO has numerous education programs for adults, fellowship programs for young artists, and affordable ticket pricing.

I am honored to work for such an amazing and unique organization. I hope you will help me reach my fundraising goal of $100, the BSO is approaching it's 100th anniversary, lets keep it going another 100 years!