WHO WE ARE
MISSION
To build a community of creative, confident and socially engaged students through music education.
VISION
To bring Louisiana together through music.
HISTORY
Kids’ Orchestra (KO) is dedicated to building a community of creative, confident, and socially engaged students through music education. Serving over 1,000 students across South Louisiana, KO offers an El Sistema-inspired afterschool program that provides music instruction, ensemble performances, and social and emotional learning opportunities.
Founded in 2010, KO prioritizes accessibility by offering needs-based scholarships covering up to 98% of tuition and providing free instruments to all students. With a team of 40+ teaching artists, many from Louisiana State University’s School of Music, students receive comprehensive music instruction twice a week, along with academic tutoring and a healthy snack.
KO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its student body, which consists of students from various racial and socio-economic backgrounds. Through social-emotional learning and positive behavior support, students develop a sense of self-awareness, community engagement, and respect for diverse perspectives.
Collaborations with local schools, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, the Arts Council, and LSU School of Music enrich KO’s programming, providing students with access to free concerts, high-quality teaching artists, and community performances.
KO’s leadership team and board of directors ensure strategic guidance across various domains, including healthcare, legal, real estate, marketing, and fundraising. Together, they uphold KO’s mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals through the transformative power of music.