Please watch this important Statement from the Roxborough Orchestra Musicians, Board of Directors, and Music Director:
Editing by Benjamin Loeb
Statement from the Board of Directors and Music Director
There are no words to express the outrage and sadness we feel regarding events that have come to the forefront of race relations in America over the past weeks. The horrors of the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and most recently Rayshard Brooks, among others, clearly signify race relations in the U.S. still face significant challenges even centuries after the arrival of the first Africans to this country.
We define ourselves as a model for how institutions like ours should exist. As an orchestra, we are diverse, and this is what makes us unique. Our orchestra is made up of members from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and it reflects the demographics of our community far more accurately than any other orchestra in this community or elsewhere. We join together with love and mutual respect for one another, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, or age. We model what an arts organization should be all about by embracing diversity and inclusivity. We have done it honestly and we have done it naturally, because it is the right thing to do and it is what we have embraced all along. The classical music industry itself continues to face underrepresentation of people of color in its ranks. This issue is pervasive both in professional and amateur orchestras. We feel that orchestras must do more to have a larger African American presence onstage, in their administration, and serving on their board of directors. We do believe that Black Lives Matter, and that an injustice to one is an injustice to all.
Atrocities against and degradation of people of color have been carried out through the centuries in the U.S. We salute the protesters who are raising their voices so that others may hear their cries for justice and equality. We as a nation must look to eradicate this racial pandemic. Our hope is for a time when all people regardless of their skin color can truly be embraced as full Americans.
We look forward to seeing you when it becomes safe to gather again. Please stay well.
Sincerely,
Darrin McBride, President
George Reath, Recording Secretary
April Fallon, Treasurer
Rachael Ludwig, General Manager
Michael Ludwig, Music Director and Conductor
Martha Ludwig
Gail and Howard Schaevitz
The Roxborough Orchestra is proud to announce the appointment of Darrin McBride as President of the Board of Directors. We look forward to the experience, leadership, enthusiasm, and energy that Mr. McBride brings to our organization!
The Board of Directors thanks Maestro Ludwig and the musicians for an incredible performance on Friday, November 3rd. We are so grateful for the support of Howard and Gail Schaevitz who sponsored our Fall concert.
Michael Ludwig, Music Director
Rehearsals are held at the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale Building, 1336 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA. Performances take place at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock Street, Philadelphia, PA.
The Roxborough Orchestra is a symphony orchestra comprised of a diverse group of musicians living in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs.
The Orchestra’s mission is to promote, encourage, and foster the appreciation of the musical arts in the greater Roxborough community through performances.
For more info, please go to our “Join Us” page to fill out an online form.
We are a non profit, 501(c)(3) corporation
the roxborough orchestra 