Every gift enables inclusive access to high quality music education in Richmond!
"I met Langston Minter at the Peter Paul community center on the Northside of Richmond. As this 3rd grader pulled out his violin, he looked somewhat confidently back and forth between me and Music Orchard Richmond (MOR) Executive Director, Elizabeth Kilpatrick. Elizabeth had just introduced me to Langston, as that day I would be sitting in on classes to get a glimpse of the work of MOR. I was considering becoming a board member of this really important music education organization. As a partner in a record label called Shockoe Records, my work is to help support the Richmond music community.
Somewhere in the middle of the session, Elizabeth said to Langston, “Do you enjoy learning and practicing the violin?” I was a little shocked to hear his immediate reply, “No.” This, of course, prompted the follow up question, “Why not?” Langston, with a furrowed brow replied, “Because I only get 15 minutes.” Wow! This young student’s number one complaint was that he didn’t get more learning time.
I knew right then and there that I wanted to be on the board. Something had to be done. In the world of music education, less is not more. With your support we can not only create more time for Langston, but we create more spots for students just like him who want to learn to play music." ~ Craig Martin, Board member
Langston, 3rd grade, studying violin for 2.5 years with Music Orchard Richmond.
We exist to nurture a love for music in K-12 youth by providing exceptional and accessible music education through community support and advocacy.
The Problem:
Access to quality music education is inequitable. Lessons and instruments are costly, transportation adds another financial burden, and parents must often prioritize essential expenses like utility bills over music lessons. Additionally, music teachers are underpaid, under-resourced, and often required to teach outside their expertise, leading to burnout and many leaving the profession.
The Solution:
We eliminate barriers to music education by partnering with the community to provide low- or no-cost music education programming, instruments and supplies when needed, and resources for students, parents, and teachers alike. Our community partners provide additional support* such as transportation, meals, homework help and tutoring, and additional enrichment activities.
*Support levels vary based on location.
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Other ways to support MOR:
Check: prefer to donate by check? No problem!
Make your check out to: Music Orchard Richmond
Send to:
Music Orchard Richmond
P.O Box 264
Richmond, VA 23218
Corporate Matching Gifts
Did you know that many companies match donations made by their employees to registered nonprofit organizations. You can ask your company if they might be able to match your donation this year. The impact of your gift to MOR could potentially be doubled!
Corporate Sponsorships
Think your company might be interested in becoming a partner to MOR's work through sponsorship? Click here to download our sponsorship levels!
Volunteer
Looking for a meaningful way to give back? We are always looking for volunteers. Here a few ways you can volunteer:
- Serve as a practice mentor in our East End program
- Join one of our board committees
- Currently recruiting for development committee
- Join our board of directors
- Currently seeing a development lead, a corporate relations lead, and a major gifts lead
- Have a skill not listed here? Just email us - we're sure to find a spot for you.
Supplies
Throughout the year various supply requests come in from our programs. Check in with us to see what we currently need!