BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Equity Arc - ECPv6.15.14//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://equityarc.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Equity Arc REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250506T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250506T200000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043826 CREATED:20240826T203706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241001T174616Z UID:144618-1746558000-1746561600@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Empowering Your Voice & Developing Self-Advocacy in Higher Education Spaces DESCRIPTION:This session aims to empower young musicians to find and use their voice effectively in collegiate and conservatory environments. Attendees will learn tools for success\, including how to assess their landscape\, identify their assets and evaluate their needs\, and advocate for themselves in academic and pre-professional settings. \nWho is this session for? This session is targeted towards prospective music students and families seeking to begin their college preparation process. This session will also be beneficial for private instructors\, program managers\, and collegiate administrators  who are supporting their students’ musical journey. \nRegistration is free for Equity Arc and El Sistema USA members\, and $35 for non-members.\nLearn more about Equity Arc membership | Learn more about El Sistema USA membership \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Speaker\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Monique van Willingh\n Originally from South Africa\, Monique Van Willingh is an educator\, musician\, and advocate for social and racial justice with cultural humility and brave dialogue as her central approach. As the Director of Cultural Equity and Belonging at the New England Conservatory of Music\, Monique is committed to creating and sustaining spaces of belonging that are culturally responsive and assets based.In her past position as Director of Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program at Longy School of Music of Bard College\, Monique supported the Longy mission of preparing musicians to make a difference in the world. She oversaw Longy’s one-year music education credential program in Los Angeles\, that focused on music pedagogy\, performance\, and social justice. Monique has taught graduate level courses such as Historical and Social Foundations of Education\, Social Justice Music Research Project\, Culturally Responsive Teaching\, Non-profit Management\, and El Sistema-inspired Programming. She led presentations at universities such as CalArts\, Goshen College\, Luther College\, Clarke University\, Morehouse College\, Occidental College\, and Whittier College. \nMonique serves as the Vice Chair of the El Sistema USA national board. In this capacity\, she co-leads the ESUSA Equity-centered Pedagogy Working Group\, recently co-led ESUSA’s 5-year strategic planning process and serves on the Racial Diversity and Cultural Understanding Committee. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Inter-generational Orchestra at Heart of LA (HOLA)\, an after-school El Sistema inspired youth program that partners with the LA Philharmonic to serve under-resourced youth with high quality music programs. Monique has been a panelist\, presenter or facilitator at conferences and organizations such as El Sistema USA\, Sphinx\, YOLA National\, YOLA at HOLA\, iTAC\, Global Leaders Program\, Global Arts\, Miami Music Project\, and From the Top. \nA graduate of the Sistema Fellows Program at the New England Conservatory of Music in 2013\, Monique explored the Venezuelan El Sistema music for social change program model. She then completed the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree at Longy School of Music of Bard College situated at the Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) at Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA). Returning to the HOLA family as Music Director just over a year later\, Monique was dedicated to activating student and community voice in addition to supporting students to achieve their best musically. The HOLA Music Program served over 275 youth\, and it was her greatest joy to lead this program. Monique has completed the Community Counselor Course through the Southern California Counseling center\, which uses social justice as the central lens through which to understand and support communities dealing with trauma and has been trained in Restorative Justice Councils (Talking circles). \nMonique is committed to deepening her impact as an arts education leader through culture building\, strategic visioning\, developing frameworks for educational and racial transformation\, training music teachers and teaching artists to embody Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies\, and creating brave and safe spaces where all can bring their full selves to the creative process. She is a “bridge-builder” and is passionate about exploring courageous dialogue that is at the intersection of inclusion\, access\, belonging\, collaboration\, socio-cultural awareness\, student voice and musical excellence. URL:https://equityarc.org/event/empowering-your-voice-developing-self-advocacy-in-higher-education-spaces/ CATEGORIES:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/7.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250513T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250513T130000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043826 CREATED:20241024T184250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250509T152148Z UID:145910-1747137600-1747141200@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Equitable Recruitment Practices DESCRIPTION:This cross-Arc panel discussion highlights successful strategies programs use to recruit a more diverse student population. \n  \nRegistration is free for Equity Arc members and $35 for non-members. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Panelists\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jeffery Tribble Jr.\, Facilitator\nLevine Music \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n John Clapp\nCincinnati Symphony Orchestra \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ryan Dearon\nOberlin Conservatory \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amanda Heathco\nAFA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ryan Walks\nAtlanta Symphony Orchestra URL:https://equityarc.org/event/equitable-recruitment-practices/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Equitable-Recruitment.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T210000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043826 CREATED:20250904T134244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250904T140059Z UID:149674-1758139200-1758142800@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra Info Session DESCRIPTION:The core ensemble of Equity Arc\, the Pathways Orchestra is composed of young artists who study at pathways programs across the country. Pathways programs offer comprehensive support and mentorship to pre-college musicians from backgrounds underrepresented in classical music. Programs that are members of Equity Arc’s National Collective for Musical Pathways nominate their fellows to audition for the Pathways Orchestra. \nLearn more about this opportunity at the virtual info session on Wednesday\, September 17 at 8pm ET. \n \n REGISTER URL:https://equityarc.org/event/eapo-info-session/ LOCATION:Zoom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Copy-of-Concert-Performance-YouTube-Thumbnail-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250918T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250918T210000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043827 CREATED:20250904T142900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250904T142908Z UID:149685-1758225600-1758229200@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Equity Arc Wind Symphony Info Session DESCRIPTION:The Equity Arc Wind Symphony brings together talented pre-college and college age musicians from historically underrepresented cultural backgrounds for a tuition-free multi-day training residency. Musicians selected through a competitive audition process will learn from professional wind band musicians and network with peers from similar backgrounds. Eligibility in the Wind Symphony is open to to pre-college and college age winds\, brass\, percussion\, and string bass musicians from cultural backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in classical music.  \nLearn more about this opportunity at the virtual info session on Thursday\, September 18 at 8pm ET. \n \n REGISTER URL:https://equityarc.org/event/equity-arc-wind-symphony-info-session-2/ LOCATION:Zoom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/eaws-60-minutes.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T210000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043827 CREATED:20251003T172614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T174759Z UID:149779-1762367400-1762376400@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Common Application for Summer Study Fair DESCRIPTION:Season 5 of the Common Application for Summer Study is almost here! Join us to learn more about the Common Application and hear directly from our partners about what makes their summer study programs unique. Emily Brown\, Vice President of Operations and Artistic Planning at Luzerne Music Center\, will share tips on finding the right program for you and successfully navigating the application process. Following the summer study fair\, attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from partner programs. Registration is free and open to all. \nThe Common Application for Summer Study allows musicians of color to apply to partner festivals through a streamlined and free application. Each partner commits to providing at least one full-tuition scholarship to a fellow selected through the application. Learn more about this transformative initiative ›  \n \n REGISTER\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Speaker \nEmily Brown\, Vice President of Operations and Artistic Planning\, Luzerne Music Center\nFor the past decade\, Emily has dedicated her career to the summer camp community\, creating environments that are equitable\, diverse\, and accessible for all campers. At Luzerne Music Center\, she served as the main point of contact for campers and their families year-round\, fostering trust\, comfort\, and excitement for almost a decade. Having gone to summer camp as a child\, Emily understands the transformative experience that camp creates.  \nEmily holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Flute Performance\, with a minor in Spanish\, from the State University of New York at Fredonia. As an educator\, she has taught in public schools and privately to students around the world. Her passion for expanding access to music education is at the core of her teaching philosophy.  URL:https://equityarc.org/event/common-application-for-summer-study-fair-2/ LOCATION:Zoom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Untitled-design-1-e1759512244606.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260217T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260217T200000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043827 CREATED:20251111T190733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T191431Z UID:149829-1771356600-1771358400@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Collegiate Access for Young Musicians: Orientation DESCRIPTION:The Collegiate Access for Young Musicians virtual series is presented in partnership with El Sistema USA. Now offered in course format\, the Application Accelerator Cohort equips high school sophomores and juniors with the knowledge\, resources\, and confidence to take their next step toward collegiate study in music. Through interactive workshops led by educators\, admissions professionals\, and musicians\, participants will receive expert guidance on each stage of the college application process and build a personalized roadmap for their journey. Additionally\, students will connect with a supportive network of professionals and peers\, and the series will culminate in a virtual college fair featuring leading conservatories and schools of music nationwide. \nDuring the Orientation session\, you will meet the cohort and hear from session facilitator Heather McCowen. Learn more and register for the full course here. \n \n View the Full Course URL:https://equityarc.org/event/collegiate-access-for-young-musicians-orientation/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ESUSA-EA-Logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260224T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260224T203000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043827 CREATED:20251111T191216Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T191223Z UID:149836-1771961400-1771965000@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Collegiate Access for Young Musicians Session 1: Finding the Best Fit DESCRIPTION:The Collegiate Access for Young Musicians virtual series is presented in partnership with El Sistema USA. Now offered in course format\, the Application Accelerator Cohort equips high school sophomores and juniors with the knowledge\, resources\, and confidence to take their next step toward collegiate study in music. Through interactive workshops led by educators\, admissions professionals\, and musicians\, participants will receive expert guidance on each stage of the college application process and build a personalized roadmap for their journey. Additionally\, students will connect with a supportive network of professionals and peers\, and the series will culminate in a virtual college fair featuring leading conservatories and schools of music nationwide. \nIn this session\, Finding the Best Fit\, you will discover how to identify and compare college music programs to match your artistic and academic goals. You will explore what makes a school unique – degree offerings\, faculty\, facilities\, location\, and financial aid – and learn how to build a personalized college list to confidently take the next step in their musical journey. Learn more and register for the full course here. \n \n View the Full Course URL:https://equityarc.org/event/collegiate-access-for-young-musicians-session-1-finding-the-best-fit/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ESUSA-EA-Logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T203000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043827 CREATED:20251111T191852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T191859Z UID:149845-1773171000-1773174600@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Collegiate Access for Young Musicians Session 2: Optimizing Your Application DESCRIPTION:The Collegiate Access for Young Musicians virtual series is presented in partnership with El Sistema USA. Now offered in course format\, the Application Accelerator Cohort equips high school sophomores and juniors with the knowledge\, resources\, and confidence to take their next step toward collegiate study in music. Through interactive workshops led by educators\, admissions professionals\, and musicians\, participants will receive expert guidance on each stage of the college application process and build a personalized roadmap for their journey. Additionally\, students will connect with a supportive network of professionals and peers\, and the series will culminate in a virtual college fair featuring leading conservatories and schools of music nationwide. \nIn this session\, Optimizing Your Application\, you will gain practical insight and resources for preparing compelling college applications\, including writing standout essays and resumes and securing strong recommendation letters. You will learn from admissions experts about how to highlight your strengths\, manage multiple applications\, and present your best self throughout the process. Learn more and register here. \n \n View the Full Course URL:https://equityarc.org/event/collegiate-access-for-young-musicians-session-2-optimizing-your-application/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ESUSA-EA-Logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260324T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260324T203000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043827 CREATED:20251111T192459Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T192947Z UID:149851-1774380600-1774384200@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Collegiate Access for Young Musicians Session 3: Planning Your Audition DESCRIPTION:The Collegiate Access for Young Musicians virtual series is presented in partnership with El Sistema USA. Now offered in course format\, the Application Accelerator Cohort equips high school sophomores and juniors with the knowledge\, resources\, and confidence to take their next step toward collegiate study in music. Through interactive workshops led by educators\, admissions professionals\, and musicians\, participants will receive expert guidance on each stage of the college application process and build a personalized roadmap for their journey. Additionally\, students will connect with a supportive network of professionals and peers\, and the series will culminate in a virtual college fair featuring leading conservatories and schools of music nationwide. \nIn this session\, Planning Your Audition\, you will develop strategies and personalized tools to excel in your college auditions. You will explore best practices for repertoire selection\, practice planning\, and live auditions\, with guidance from collegiate faculty and insights from current college students. Learn more and register for the full course here. \n \n View the Full Course URL:https://equityarc.org/event/collegiate-access-for-young-musicians-session-3-planning-your-audition/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ESUSA-EA-Logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T203000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043827 CREATED:20251111T192842Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T192849Z UID:149859-1775590200-1775593800@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Collegiate Access for Young Musicians Session 4: Financial Planning and Financial Aid DESCRIPTION:The Collegiate Access for Young Musicians virtual series is presented in partnership with El Sistema USA. Now offered in course format\, the Application Accelerator Cohort equips high school sophomores and juniors with the knowledge\, resources\, and confidence to take their next step toward collegiate study in music. Through interactive workshops led by educators\, admissions professionals\, and musicians\, participants will receive expert guidance on each stage of the college application process and build a personalized roadmap for their journey. Additionally\, students will connect with a supportive network of professionals and peers\, and the series will culminate in a virtual college fair featuring leading conservatories and schools of music nationwide. \nIn this session\, Financial Planning and Financial Aid\, you will learn essential strategies for managing the financial side of college\, from identifying and applying for scholarships to navigating the financial aid process. You will hear from financial aid experts and parents who’ve been through the process\, and learn how to plan effectively\, negotiate scholarships\, and make a strong case for support. Learn more and register for the full course here. \n \n View the Full Course URL:https://equityarc.org/event/collegiate-access-for-young-musicians-session-4-financial-planning-and-financial-aid/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ESUSA-EA-Logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T210000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043827 CREATED:20251111T193741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T193749Z UID:149866-1776799800-1776805200@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Collegiate Access for Young Musicians Session 5: Virtual College Fair DESCRIPTION:The Collegiate Access for Young Musicians virtual series is presented in partnership with El Sistema USA. Now offered in course format\, the Application Accelerator Cohort equips high school sophomores and juniors with the knowledge\, resources\, and confidence to take their next step toward collegiate study in music. Through interactive workshops led by educators\, admissions professionals\, and musicians\, participants will receive expert guidance on each stage of the college application process and build a personalized roadmap for their journey. Additionally\, students will connect with a supportive network of professionals and peers\, \nIn this session\, Virtual College Fair\, you will connect directly with representatives from leading conservatories and schools of music in this culminating event. You will learn what makes each participating institution unique and apply what you’ve learned throughout the series while engaging with admissions representatives and faculty from your schools of interest. Learn more and register here. \n \n View the Full Course URL:https://equityarc.org/event/collegiate-access-for-young-musicians-session-5-virtual-college-fair/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ESUSA-EA-Logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260504 DTSTAMP:20260505T043827 CREATED:20260126T212906Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T153942Z UID:150457-1777593600-1777852799@equityarc.org SUMMARY:National Convening & Festival Ensembles DESCRIPTION:At a moment of growth and possibility\, Equity Arc invites friends\, partners\, and all who are passionate about the future of classical music to join us as we share how we are moving forward.  \nAt this year’s National Convening and Festival Ensembles\, we will explore our evolving strategic direction and how it is shaping our approach to artistic excellence\, mentorship\, and pathways into the profession. Grounded in deep respect for musicians’ lived experiences\, we are working to close the gaps between talent and opportunity by creating clearer pathways for young artists and their families.  \nAlongside our Festival Ensembles performances\, the Convening will create space for meaningful\, participatory conversations about how talent is identified\, supported\, and recruited\, and how we can collectively build a more equitable and effective field.  \n \n REGISTER URL:https://equityarc.org/event/national-convening-festival-ensembles/ LOCATION:Tysons Corner Marriott\, 8028 Leesburg Pike\, Tysons\, VA\, 22182\, United States CATEGORIES:In-Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Join-us-at-the-National-Convening-1920-x-1080-px-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260503T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260503T160000 DTSTAMP:20260505T043827 CREATED:20260210T155050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T155438Z UID:150566-1777816800-1777824000@equityarc.org SUMMARY:Equity Arc Festival Concert DESCRIPTION:Equity Arc presents our Festival Ensembles\, featuring outstanding pre-college and collegiate musicians from nearly 80 cities across the United States. \nLed by Rodney Dorsey and Lina González-Granados\, the Equity Arc Wind Symphony and Pathways Orchestra will perform works ranging from Tchaikovsky and Florence Price to Jessie Montgomery and Carlos Simon. \nThis concert is presented as part of Equity Arc’s National Convening\, showcasing the artistry of the next generation of classical musicians and the breadth of today’s orchestral and wind ensemble repertoire. \nTickets to this concert are included in National Convening registration.  URL:https://equityarc.org/event/equity-arc-festival-concert/ LOCATION:Capital One Hall\, 7750 Capital One Tower Road\, Tysons\, VA\, 22102\, United States CATEGORIES:In-Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://equityarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Equity-Arc-Festival-Concert-1080x1350-1920-x-1080-px.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR