Orchestrating Diversity (a program of the Lemp Neighborhood Art Center)

Every year another research study establishes the clear connection between learning to play an instrument as a youth and subsequent success in social skills, academics, and career. The benefits are augmented when the music played is of the highest orchestral caliber and the young people perform in an ensemble composed of their peers. However, the cost of this kind of training places this valuable education out of the reach of those underserved children who need it's benefits the most.

We are part of El Sistema, an expanding global effort to bring the best in music training for free to all youth. In addition to many years of success in providing the very best in music training we can boast that more than 93% of our graduates complete at least a 4-year college program. Many of these youth come from high schools with 30%+ drop out rates.

We know that we enrich the lives of the young people we are honored to work with and are convinced that our work will improve racial equity in the world of orchestral music, as well as heal the wound of racism in St. Louis.