Why are these enrichment classes successful in this moment?

• The orchestra has always been the main "hub" of our community. It is the place to gather and the main place where our group dynamic is experienced. The group dynamic--that is the bread and butter of a music program, isn't it? The group dynamic in the large ensemble is what draws us in and keeps us coming back for more! What about now that our traditional methods of rehearsing an orchestra are not possible? Is it worth keeping a system that isn't firing on all cylinders just because we have always relied on it in the past? These new enrichment classes have been built and designed specifically for the online setting. They place the group experience at the center where creativity, collaboration, and community are cornerstones of each class design. The end result is the same; the way we get there has changed as a result of our new reality.

• Topics that are relevant the students' lives right now

• Staff buy in: We are constantly fielding pitches from our teaching artist about new classes they are excited about. They can now teach on topics that they might not otherwise get to share. We had no idea that we had former radio producers, multimedia producers, yoga instructors, poetry buffs and professional photographers on our teaching staff. Now they get to share a whole new side of themselves with the students.

• Breaks up the routine: It was a huge decision to drop orchestra for this year, however these classes have been like a shot of creative caffeine to our students, staff, and artistic leadership. Necessity breeds invention. In fact, musical growth is at an all-time high as we are now able to provide every student with weekly private lessons. By taking a fresh look at the budget and re-prioritizing our spending we were able to give each student a more focused and intentional musical experience.

• Scrutinize your current program structure and weigh it against your program goals/priorities. Is your current model helping you reach your goals? Can you rethink or re-imagine any part of your program in order to better serve your students and families?

• These offerings are financially advantageous as they allow many students to be with 1 or sometimes 2 staff members during class. This opens up financial resources for other new initiatives such as universal private lessons.