WHRO Public Media recently hosted a screening of the new documentary Virginia Symphony Orchestra Fellows: Orchestrating Change for 7th and 8th-grade students at the Academy of Discovery in Norfolk.
The documentary follows four amazing young musicians on their year-long journey as VSO Fellows. The program was created to give underrepresented orchestral musicians the experiences they’ll need to succeed. The VSO recognizes that Black and Brown Musicians make up a very small percentage of orchestral musicians. This program is designed to advance the goal of increased diversity of symphony orchestras.
Lisa Godley, Director of Equity Production & Outreach, facilitated the screening followed by a discussion with the students. Director of Education and Staff Conductor of the VSO, Helen Martell, spoke with the students about the VSO Fellows program.
Viewers will see many of the students featured in the documentary being coached by a VSO Fellow.
Thank you to Mrs. Scott, the orchestra teacher, who helped set up the screening.
Watch the documentary on WHRO+.
WHRO is proudly owned by the 21 school divisions in the southeastern Virginia region, including Newport News Public Schools. Learn more about the many educational resources that WHRO Public Media provides to educators and families.
Have great news at your school that you would like to share? Email marketing@whro.org.