Young musicians participate in an Equity Arc program.
In Wednesday’s (2/26) Washington Post, Michael Andor Brodeur writes, “The U.S. Marine Band known as ‘The President’s Own’ quietly canceled a concert program originally billed as the ‘Equity Arc Wind Symphony.’ The May 4 performance was to be the culmination of a ‘multi-day music intensive with musicians from “The President’s Own” ’ and high school musician fellows selected through auditions organized by the Chicago-based Equity Arc, a nonprofit organization that provides ‘specialized mentoring support for young BIPOC musicians and helps institutions take meaningful steps toward equity and inclusion.’ A spokesperson for the Marines confirmed in an email Tuesday afternoon that ‘the Marine Band’s participation in this event was canceled in accordance with recent Executive Orders.’ Equity Arc Executive Director Stanford Thompson and Associate Director Magee Capsouto confirmed in a phone interview that the cancellation affects up to 30 young musicians from across the country who earned their spots through competitive virtual auditions … Thompson said, ‘One of the things we’ve wanted to do is expose students to military careers, and we’ve seen nothing more powerful than when the musicians we work with have opportunities to sit side-by-side in rehearsal, performances and coaching.’… Thompson also credited the U.S. Marine Band’s commitment to education as key to the partnership between the organizations, and expressed concern that military bands across the country may find these types of outreach programs harder to accomplish.”
