Dear Friends,

We are reaching out this season to thank you for being a part of The Little Orchestra Society family, and to ask for your support of our concert and public education initiatives. As many in the arts world well know, now is a precarious time for organizations that rely on funding from the government and outside foundations. After nearly a decade of support, we learned this year that we would no longer receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), due to changing priorities under the current administration. Despite this, we continue to offer a full slate of programming for those who need it most—young people across our great city and beyond—but we cannot do it without the help of supporters like you. We would like to share a snapshot of our work, and we hope you are inspired to give generously and make an impact on the cultural community for deserving young people.

If you have been to an L.O.S. KIDS concert recently, you know that we are champions of emerging talent and accomplished young performers. Instrumental soloists and composers have become a central part of these concerts, often having their very first professional opportunities with our Orchestra. We take great pride in creating a safe and encouraging environment for these musicians to thrive. Not only is this a springboard for their growing careers, but we feel that showcasing this young talent on stage adds a unique and powerful element of inspiration for the young people in our audience. On top of this, there is a deeper philosophy behind the design and how it connects with the work we do in public schools.

Our Musical Connections program focuses on the youngest elementary school students, teaching them to compose their own new music in their own classrooms, and often in communities lacking the resources or capacity to provide arts programming. This transformative experience empowers young people to communicate their ideas and feelings, collaborate with their peers, and use creativity to make their mark on the world. As part of Musical Connections, students attend our live concerts where they are inspired by the young musicians we mentioned above, and they take this learning back into the classroom to inform their own work. Near the end of our programs, professional musicians visit each school to premiere new compositions for parents and classmates. At these events, students sit up tall with a sense of dignity as their voices are heard, and each individual enjoys the satisfaction of recognizing their own accomplishments. It is an amazing process to see and hear!

The Little Orchestra Society has been embedded in NYC communities for 79 years and counting, serving young people from all experiences, backgrounds, and socio-economic classes. You can put yourself at the center of this great work, and help us sustain and expand into the New Year! Click the link below, or feel free to contact us at 212-971-9500 x0 to learn how you can support vital programming in our great City. 

Thank you for keeping the arts alive in NYC, and we wish you and your family all the best for a happy and healthy Holiday Season.

Sincerely,

Anthony Ball, Executive Director