Equity Arc

I’m still in awe of what the Equity Arc team accomplished last weekend in DC. Pulling off the Equity Arc Wind Symphony collaboration—with retired musicians from our nation’s top premiere bands—was nothing short of extraordinary. And they did it with just one week’s notice. The sheer number of hours, logistical hurdles, and moving pieces they managed behind the scenes to make this happen is nothing less than remarkable. From coordinating musicians to securing rehearsal and performance venues, finalizing repertoire and printing music, designing and ordering t-shirts, figuring out local transportation and meals, and ensuring every detail was in place in the nick of time, they proved yet again what’s possible when passion meets relentless dedication. To my team—Magee Capsouto, Paula Wilson (missing from the photo), Mark Hunsberger, and Paige Kerrigan—thank you. I am beyond proud of you. As the 60 Minutes segment clearly showed, the impact of your work resonates far beyond the music we made last weekend, and I can’t wait to see what we build next.

?? Equity Arc Wind Symphony Behind the Scenes! After the Equity Arc Wind Symphony concert, which would have been the culminating event of a multi-day intensive learning experience between students and "The President's Own" United States Marine Band was cancelled due to the recent presidential Executive Order entitled “Ending Radical and Wasteful DEI Programs and Preferencing,” students and retired military musicians gathered in Washington, D.C. to recreate the event. Thank you, Georgetown University, Strathmore and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for making this possible, and thank you, 60 Minutes for telling our story. Visit our website, https://equityarc.org/ to watch the full Equity Arc Wind Symphony concert and to learn more about our work!

Thank you, 60 MINUTES for telling our story and providing such an incredible stage for the talent of our musicians.

Meet our 2025 Pathways Alumni Panelists! During this panel, Pathways alumni will reflect on how their Pathways program prepared them for the next steps of their careers. ?? Ian Saunders, facilitator - Artistic Director, Project STEP ?? Anika Veda - Student at Shepard School of Music at Rice University, Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative Alum ?? Dillon Scott - Student at Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth Alum ?? Shaquille Southwell - Principal Clarinetist of Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Talent Development Program Alum ?? Wilfred Farquharson - Violist of D-Composed and Crossing Boarders Music, Atlanta Symphony Talent Development Program Alum The 2025 Pathways Alumni Panel is a part of the Equity Arc Annual Convening. To learn more about the 2025 Pathways Alumni Panel and the Equity Arc Annual Convening, visit https://ow.ly/aaRB50Vie96 Book your discounted hotel at Hilton Chicago Downtown by March 17 by visiting https://ow.ly/RrME50Vie97

?? Share Your Story! Equity Arc is committed to sharing the stories of talented musicians across the country. Thank you, Betania Canas, for sharing your journey with us! Join the conversations on your role in advancing musicians' development at the Equity Arc Annual Convening on April 4-6 in Chicago. Learn more and register at https://ow.ly/nsOp50Vfb4t Book your discounted hotel at Hilton Chicago Downtown by March 17 by visiting https://ow.ly/vECW50Vfb4y

?? Meet Our 2025 Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra Interns! ?? Beyond the stage, these talented musicians are working behind the scenes to make a lasting impact in our community. ???? Our Intern Roles: ?? Marketing & Social Media – Sharing our stories and bringing the Pathways experience to the world ?? Panel Content – Helping shape discussions and insights on music and equity ?? Networking – Connecting young musicians with mentors and opportunities ?? Community Engagement – Bringing music beyond the concert hall to inspire and connect Stay tuned as they take us on this journey! ? The interns are working alongside the Equity Arc staff as they prepare for the Equity Arc Annual Convening April 4-6 in Chicago. Learn more and register at https://ow.ly/mOGK50Vc2uS Book your discounted hotel at Hilton Chicago Downtown by March 17 by visiting https://ow.ly/b8LE50Vc2uQ

?? Schedule Overview! The Equity Arc Annual Convening has a number of sessions, panels, and events to engage attendees in strategic conversations on advancing equity collectively at every stage of musical development. Learn more and register at https://ow.ly/zPG250V9C4W ?? Book your discounted stay at Hilton Chicago Downtown by March 10 by visiting https://ow.ly/sNy250V9C4S

?? Updated Application Deadline! VIA Academy has extended its application deadline to March 24! Apply using the Common Application for Summer Study. The Common Application for Summer Study provides a streamlined application process for BIPOC musicians. To fill out your application, visit https://ow.ly/1yoM50V7SVX

??Be a part of the conversation! ?? The Equity Arc Annual Convening engages musicians, administrators, families, educators, and supporters in strategic conversations on advancing equity collectively at every stage of musical development. ?? Hilton Chicago Downtown ?? April 4-6 Our hotel deadline has been extended! Book your discounted stay at Hilton Chicago Downtown by March 10 by visiting https://ow.ly/HaaB50V80sM

We are deeply disappointed to share that our planned Equity Arc Wind Symphony concert on May 4, 2025 in collaboration with The President’s Own U.S. Marine Band has been canceled following recent executive orders affecting DEI-related programs at the federal level. This program was set to bring together over 30 extraordinary pre-college musicians from across the country who earned their spots through a competitive audition process. They were to receive mentorship from Marine Band musicians and perform a powerful program celebrating diverse voices in music. While this decision is out of our control, what remains unchanged is our unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for musicians of color. Equity Arc exists to ensure that talented artists—regardless of background—have access to meaningful, transformative experiences in the field. To the students, families, and educators impacted by this decision: we see you, we support you, and we will continue to fight for spaces where your artistry is valued. We appreciate the partnership we shared with the United States Marine Band and thank their leadership, staff, and musicians for their support of our mission.