Rusty Musicians
After reading an article about large increases in people learning and playing instruments, Marin wondered if the Baltimore Symphony was missing out on an opportunity to connect with aspiring adult musicians.
They put out a call for non-professional musicians to come and play with the musicians of the BSO and had almost 400 people sign up in less than 24 hours, launching the “Rusty Musicians” program at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 2010.
The public response was so strong and inspiring that they eventually expanded the concept into a summer fantasy camp experience, the BSO Academy, where adult amateur musicians spend a week working with BSO musicians; receiving lessons, coachings, advice and musical guidance directly from the BSO players. Academy participants become members of the BSO for one evening, perform alongside regular members of a world-class orchestra and refer to the experience as “breathtaking”, “spectacular” and “life-changing.”