Moving Forward Together

Our national convenings bring together members and artists from across the United States to collaborate and create solutions.

The Convening promotes cross-sector engagement, with conversations that span the arc of musical development. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and break-out groups, we develop concrete steps to build meaningful, lasting equity in the field.

A concurrent National Ensembles Festival provides an intensive musical experience for exceptional musicians selected through a competitive audition process to network with peers, learn from world-class faculty mentors, perform for faculty from prestigious institutions, and participate in equity-advancing projects.

“Here is where it begins.”

Maestro Riccardo Muti

Join Us at the 2026 National Convening & Festival Concert

The Equity Arc National Convening occurs concurrently with the Equity Arc National Ensembles. Attendees will engage in strategic conversations on advancing equity collectively at every stage of musical development.

Convening Highlights Include:

Opportunities to connect with musicians, administrators, families, educators, and supporters
Progress report and strategic conversations building upon prior convenings
Culminating performance by the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra and the Equity Arc Wind Symphony at Capital One Hall

Equity Arc National Ensembles

The 2026 Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra and the Equity Arc Wind Symphony convene pre-college and collegiate musicians from across the country for a multi-day musical experience. Selected through a competitive audition, fellows are mentored by world-class faculty and perform at Capital One Hall under the leadership of Music Directors Lina González-Granados and Rodney Dorsey. Fellows will also network with collegiate representatives and peers from similar cultural backgrounds.

Be part of the conversation that sparks insights, ideas, and initiatives for equity-based programs across the nation. View event details and register below. If you plan to attend any portion of the convening, please register as soon as possible.

Please contact info@equityarc.org with questions regarding this event.

Registration

2026 Equity Arc National Convening Registration

Convening Registration includes:

Access to all convening sessions
Access to a table at the the College and Summer Study Fair (if applicable)
Reception including drinks and hors d’oeuvres on May 1
Coffee and lunch on May 2
Luncheon at Capital One Hall on May 3
Complimentary ticket to the Equity Arc National Ensembles concert at Capital One Hall on May 3

Important Dates to Note:

April 2: Deadline to reserve reduced-rate room at Tysons Corner Marriott

Convening Registration will open soon!

Plan Your Experience

Event Location

The 2026 Equity Arc National Convening will be held in the Tysons Corner Marriott (8028 Leesburg Pike Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA, 22182) and in Capital One Hall (7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102)

Hotels

Book your stay for a discounted rate at the below hotel by April 2:

Tysons Corner Marriott

Address: 8028 Leesburg Pike Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA, 22182
Rate: $159/night

Ground Transportation & Parking

From Airport

Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located 16 miles from Tysons Corner Marriott.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located 14 miles from Tysons Corner Marriott.

Ground transportation options include:

Use a Ride Share App (Lyft/Uber) to take you directly to your destination
The WMATA Metro offers trains to and from Tysons Metro Station, as well as bus services.

By Car

Parking at Tysons Corner Marriott is $12/day Friday & Saturday, and $22/day Sunday – Thursday.

Dining

Lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday to convening attendees. This is an opportunity to connect with attendees from all stages of musical development. Browse hotel dining options for meals that are not included.