Bring the family to an event at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall Nov. 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. that benefits OrchKids — an initiative giving disadvantaged students a chance to learn an instrument.
The event kicks off with the exhibition and sale of the book “Baltimore Counts: A Children’s Counting & Art Book,” which features works by local artists. The family-friendly event will also feature a performance by OrchKids, a musical instrument petting zoo and other music and art activities for kids. Proceeds from the sale of the book and the exhibition will benefit OrchKids, an initiative created by BSO Music Director Marin Alsop, who hoped to positively influence disadvantaged students’ lives by introducing them to classical music, according to a press release.
“I believe passionately that music has the power to change lives, and the BSO should lead the movement,” Alsop said. “By providing a strong foundation and developing the whole individual, we can position these students for lifelong success — success not limited to music.”
The book “Baltimore Counts” contains 25 pieces of Baltimore trivia with works of art from 25 local artists created to illustrate the trivia. The exhibition is open through Nov. 21 and will display art from the book.
Siri Lisa Doub, who co authored the book with Wayne Arnold, said she was amazed at the impact of the OrchKids program.
“I visited the program at Lockerman Bundy Elementary School and was introduced to Tyrone McCory who, at age 9, was a self-professed bass player before he’d even touched the instrument,” she said. “OrchKids found Tyrone a teacher from the BSO as part of his music education program. When I watched him play on stage at the OrchKids spring concert — with enthusiasm, pride, technique and talent — I got chill bumps. And it had only been a year.”
The event at the Meyerhoff is free but all attending must RSVP to oriet@orietsfineart.com.
For details visit orietsfineart.com/happenings

Photo courtesy of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra