Moving Forward Together

Our annual 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 Festival provides an intensive musical experience for Fellows to work alongside a professional orchestra. Young artists have opportunities to network with peers, learn from musicians in highly regarded orchestras, perform for faculty from prestigious institutions, and participate in equity-advancing projects.

“Here is where it begins.”

Maestro Riccardo Muti

Lend Your Voice in Chicago

2025 Equity Arc Annual Convening

The Equity Arc Annual Convening occurs concurrently with the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra. 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 from every phase of the Arc, from entry to professional stages
  • Progress report and strategic conversations building upon prior convenings
  • Culminating side-by-side performance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A minor from the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra
  • Performances featuring Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Civic Orchestra of Chicago, including current and former fellowship participants from across the country

2025 Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra

The 2025 Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra convenes pre-college Pathways musicians from across the country in Chicago for a multi-day musical experience. Selected through a competitive audition, fellows will play side-by-side with musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Civic Orchestra of Chicago under the leadership of Kyle Dickson. 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. Registration closes on March 21, 2025.

Want to learn more about the convening? View the info session recording ›

Please contact Paula Wilson at paula@equityarc.org  with questions regarding this event.

Convening Schedule

Friday, April 4

  • 2-3:30pm: Pathways Orchestra Mock Auditions (interested faculty adjudicators should complete this form)
  • 7-10pm: Keynote Address by Na’Zir McFadden, Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra Fellow Panel, and Opening Reception

Saturday, April 5

  • 9:30-11am: Pathways Collective Feature
  • 11:15am-12:30pm: Fellow and Convening Joint Luncheon (provided)
  • 1-2:15pm: Pathways Alumni Panel
  • 2:30-5:30pm: Breakout Sessions: Focused Exploration of Projects
  • 2:30-5pm: College and Summer Study Fair
  •  Dinner on Own
  • 7:30pm: Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concert (registrants receive 50% off tickets)

Sunday, April 6

  • 10-11:30am: Equity Arc Presents Next Steps
  • 12:15-1:30pm: Fellow and Convening Joint Luncheon (provided)
  • 2pm: Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra Concert
  • 7pm: Civic Orchestra of Chicago Concert
    Featuring orchestral fellows and alumni from across the country

Ways to Engage

Browse the following opportunities to engage with Equity Arc and the talented fellows of the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra:

Convening Attendees:

  • Share your perspectives in timely and relevant working conversations designed to advance our ecosystem
  • Network with Pathways Orchestra fellows and convening attendees over shared meals

Colleges:

  • College and Summer Study Fair: Connect with Pathways Orchestra fellows and Chicago-based youth on April 5 from 2:30-5pm CT (complete convening registration to reserve a spot)
  • Mock Auditions: Faculty are invited to listen to and provide feedback to the talented Pathways Orchestra fellows on April 4 from 2-3:30pm CT (complete this form to express interest)

Summer Study Programs:

  • College and Summer Study Fair: Connect with Pathways Orchestra fellows and Chicago-based youth on April 5 from 2:30-5pm CT (complete convening registration to reserve a spot)

Families:

  • Parent’s Council: Help shape this community of families in classical music online on Thursday, February 6 from 7-8pm ET (complete this form to register)

Registration

2025 Equity Arc Annual Convening Registration

Equity Arc members unlock discounted registration rates. Attendees can choose to participate in the convening only, college and summer study fair only, or bundle the convening and fair. All convening participants are welcome to attend the fair, the fair registration is for those reserving a table. Convening Registration closes March 21, 2025.

  Equity Arc Member Registration General Registration
Convening Only $150 $225
Fair Only $125 $200
Convening & Fair Bundle $200 $300

Convening Registration includes:

  • Access to all convening sessions
  • Lunch on Apr. 5 & Apr. 6
  • Discounted tickets to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert on April 5 at 7:30pm (registrants will receive 50% off code in confirmation email)
  • Complimentary access to Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra concert on April 6 at 2pm

Fair Registration includes:

  • Access to table at college and summer study fair
  • Company name and logo recognition in program booklet

Important Dates to Note:

  • March 1: Deadline to reserve reduced-rate room at Hilton Chicago Downtown
  • March 21: Deadline to register for Equity Arc Annual Convening

Do you need financial assistance? Contact Paula Wilson at paula@equityarc.org if the registration cost is a barrier to accessing the convening
Are you bringing 5 or more people? Contact Paula Wilson at paula@equityarc.org to unlock a 10% group discount

Plan Your Experience

Event Location

The 2025 Equity Arc Annual Convening will be held in the Hilton Chicago Downtown (720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605).

Hotels

Book your stay for a discounted rate at the below hotel by March 1:

Hilton Chicago Downtown
Address: 720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Rate: $229/night

Ground Transportation & Parking

From Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is located 19 miles from Hilton Chicago Downtown.
Chicago Midway International Airport  (MDW) is located 11 miles from the Hilton Chicago Downtown.

Ground transportation options include:

By Car
There are a variety of parking options available in downtown Chicago. View parking info ›

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.

Explore Our Past Convenings

Cincinnati

March 18-19, 2023

Chicago

April 9-11, 2022

Cincinnati

November 15-16, 2019