“It’s a visionary plan that still has a million details to be ironed out. But if the Detroit Symphony Orchestra has its way, in a couple years every single Detroit schoolchild who wants to play an instrument will get one, free of charge, as well as access to musical instruction,” writes Michael Hodges in Thursday’s (11/14) Detroit News. “Detroit Harmony, as the project is called, represents a bid to dramatically expand music education throughout the city, one that hopefully will generate demand for an entirely new workforce of music teachers and craftsmen to repair and refurbish used instruments…. Detroit Harmony will be open to any K-12 student in public, private and charter schools throughout the city. The DSO has just completed the first phase of funding the program, and is currently looking for a project director to lead the next 18 months of planning before Detroit Harmony officially launches. Major support for the initiative was provided by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation.” DSO Board Chairman Mark Davidoff said, “It’s a big, bold idea that will require big, bold commitments. But we’re full throttle behind it, and think we’re onto something very, very important.”
Posted November 15, 2019
In photo: A Detroit Symphony Orchestra drummer visits students at Palmer Park Academy in 2015. The orchestra’s newly announced Detroit Harmony program will provide free instruments and music instruction to all interested K-12 Detroit students.
