Help Our Students Attend Equity Arc’s National Pathways Festival in Chicago!

#GivingTuesday - The Global Day of Giving Back

Help Our Students Attend Equity Arc’s National Pathways Festival in Chicago! image

Send us to Chicago!

EIGHT Project STEP students have applied to Equity Arc’s 2025 National Pathways Festival. Last year, at the Pathways Festival in Nashville, TN, seven of our students were selected to join 60 participants nationwide. This #GivingTuesday, Project STEP will launch a one-day campaign to support our students’ journey to Chicago!

“Playing in the National Pathways Festival Orchestra was an experience like no other. Working with Maestro Guerrero was incredible; he was one of the more passionate directors I’ve worked with, but the opportunity to become closer to some of our nation’s strongest young musicians was super inspiring. It was an experience that showed me just how powerful it is to have a “familia” in music.” – Caleb Graupera, cello, Project STEP Class of 2024; Pathways Festival Student 2024. Photo above by Matthew Muise.

About Equity National Pathways Festival:
Taking place in Chicago, from April 4-6, 2025, the festival is a prestigious honor for students. Offering comprehensive support and mentorship to pre-college musicians from backgrounds underrepresented in classical music, students will perform with Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the conclusion of the festival.

ABOUT Project STEP: Project STEP (String Training Education Program) champions equitable access to comprehensive music education for students from racial and ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in classical music.

WHAT WE DO/ Good to know: Project STEP is the Nation’s first college and career pathway program for students of color in classical music. We offer our students long-term and early access to music instruction, orchestra & ensemble participation, workshops, mentorship, masterclasses, summer music camps, and more.