Angie O'Grady: Power of the Little Baton and a Big Dream

michaelsogrady
Dec 10, 2014
1 min read

I had never heard of Marin Alsop, also known as Maestra Alsop until today. She is the music conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

by Angie O'Grady

COOxist

I always enjoy reading about people who are making a positive difference in the lives of children who need help. I had never heard of Marin Alsop, also known as Maestra Alsop until today. She is the music conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. In this role, she is the first female conductor of a major American orchestra and is considered one of the world’s leading conductors. But let’s be clear, Marin doesn’t want to be known for her great work at the BSO, she wants to be remembered for her work with Orchkids. A program she founded to help give Baltimore inner-city children a chance to participate in music. The program started in 2008 with 30 kids. Today, there are over 1000 kids participating. Alsop’s goal is to have 83,000 kids in the program – the same number of kids in the Baltimore City Public Schools.

Research has proven that learning music skills helps children excel in other areas of the classroom. Music involves lots more than playing a note or reading music. Many times you are simultaneously using skills which is important in the process of learning.

Marin Alsop is an inspiration for her strides to make a difference in the lives of the children of Baltimore. During this holiday season, think about a donation to Orchkids.

Watch the video - http://youtu.be/IIYuJ4dcjLs