OrKidstra

OrKidstra is an Ottawa-based social development program that gives children from equity-deserving communities the opportunity to learn life skills—such as teamwork, commitment, and responsibility—through the joys and challenges of singing and playing music together.

OrKidstra’s mission is to empower kids and build community through music. OrKidstra accomplishes this by providing children from low-income families with free instruments and music lessons, giving them a chance to reach for success through music.

The program began in 2007 with 27 children and a passionate belief in the transformative power of music. It has since grown to include over 750 children, ages five to 18, from 62 cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and has become a world-class example of why music is called the universal language.

In high demand for their energy and musicianship, OrKidstra has performed on the Juno Awards broadcast, on Parliament Hill as part of the Canada Day 150 Celebrations, in Mexico City under the baton of Grammy-Award-winning conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and many more. The charity is grateful to have the support of three OrKidstra Ambassadors: acclaimed pianist Angela Hewitt, C.C., O.B.E, Alexander Shelley, Music Director of the NAC Orchestra, and Juno Award-winning jazz and soul singer and songwriter Kellylee Evans.