OrKidstra

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Ottawa, ON
OrKidstra

OrKidstra is a social development initiative created in 2007 to bring the joys and challenges of music-making to children in equity-deserving areas of Ottawa.

Largely dependent upon donations, the children of OrKidstra need you to play your part! OrKidstra is a social development program for children aged 5 to 18 living in equity-deserving areas of Ottawa, Canada. Our mission is to empower children and build community through the universal language of music. We carry out this mission by providing children from low-income families with free group and ind

ividual music lessons and the chance to learn important life skills like respect, compassion, teamwork, and responsibility through playing and singing together. CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION # 83246 7153 RR0001

08/12/2026

🎵 Your support made an impact. See it for yourself!

Our 2025–26 Impact Report is here! 💜
https://orkidstra.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2025-26-Impact-Report-FINAL.pdf

OrKidstra’s 19th season was a year of substantial growth, stabilization and deepened impact across all three of our after-school Hubs.

Together, we served more than 800 children and youth from equity-deserving communities—both in school and after school.

The results from our 2025-26 after-school program evaluations speak for themselves:

✨ 100% of OrKidstra graduates completed high school and are going on to further learning opportunities this Fall
✨ 94% of OrKidstra students improved their life skills
✨34 community performances gave students opportunities to share their music while building confidence and challenging themselves

For many families, access to affordable, high-quality programming simply wouldn't be possible without the support of our caring donors and partners.

Thank you for helping kids build confidence, form lasting friendships and discover a true sense of belonging through music at OrKidstra. 💜

07/31/2026

🎵 A Little Summer Pause! ☀️

Please note that the OrKidstra office will be closed from August 3–7 as our team takes a short summer break to rest, recharge, and get ready for another exciting season at OrKidstra.

We'll be back on Monday, August 10, refreshed and ready to welcome everyone as we prepare for the new season ahead!

Wishing all of our students, families, supporters, and community partners a wonderful week filled with sunshine, fun, and music.

Have a great long weekend everyone! 💜

07/27/2026

🎉 We're honoured to be featured in the Azrieli Foundation's 2025 Impact Report!

We encourage you to explore the report and learn more about the transformational work the Azrieli Foundation is championing across education, research, healthcare, and the arts. https://azrielifoundation.org/impact/

As a foundational partner of OrKidstra, the Azrieli Foundation is helping make transformative social development through music education possible for hundreds of children and youth. We are incredibly proud to have our work highlighted alongside so many inspiring initiatives.

🎻 The section showcasing the Foundation's support for music education, including OrKidstra's highlight, begins on page 12.

Thank you, Azrieli Foundation, for believing in the power of music to transform lives and futures. 💜

07/26/2026

🎂 Happy Birthday to our amazing OrKidstra Ambassador, Angela Hewitt! 🎶

We’re so grateful for the passion, generosity, and inspiration you share with our OrKidstra family. Your love of music and commitment to excellence continues to uplift and inspire our students and community.

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with joy, music, and celebration!

With love,
Your OrKidstra family 💜

07/23/2026

There's something special about ending a season surrounded by the people who make it all possible. ❤️

At the end of June, we celebrated our incredible Teaching Artists and Volunteers with our annual appreciation potluck, hosted by our Co-Founders, Ms. Tina and Mr. Gary. It was an evening filled with delicious food, laughter, and so much gratitude.

To everyone who makes OrKidstra what it is—our staff, Teaching Artists, volunteers, students, families, graduates ("OldKidstra"), ambassadors, board members, supporters, and donors—thank you. You are the heart of this community, and we're so grateful to be on this journey with you. 🎶

Next stop: our 20th season! 🎉 We can't wait to welcome the 2026–27 season and celebrate this incredible milestone together.

📸 Photos by our long-time volunteer and friend, Greg Allison.

07/21/2026

🎵 Join the OrKidstra team! 🎵

We're currently hiring for multiple positions, including:
💼 Manager, Executive Operations (Full-time)
🎼 Teaching Artist opportunities (Cello and Trombone)

Whether you're a passionate music educator or an experienced operations professional, we'd love to hear from you.

At OrKidstra, you'll join a collaborative, values-driven team that's empowering children, strengthening communities, and transforming lives through the power of music.

Explore all current opportunities and apply today:
https://orkidstra.ca/news/

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with your network!

07/17/2026

🎻☀️ What an unforgettable week at CAMP OrKidstra 2026!

From July 2–10, we had 111 OrKidstra students come together for a week filled with music, friendship, creativity, laughter, and growth. They learned from inspiring Teaching Artists, explored new repertoire, enjoyed exciting recreational activities and field trips, built lasting friendships, and celebrated everything they've accomplished together.

Every smile, every note played, and every moment of encouragement reminded us of the incredible power of music to build confidence, belonging, and community.

Thank you to our students, families, donors, Teaching Artists, staff, volunteers, supporters, and everyone who helped make this year's camp such a joyful success. ❤️

📖 Find out more about everything that happened at CAMP OrKidstra this year:
https://orkidstra.ca/news/camp-orkidstra-2026/

07/16/2026

🎻 We're hiring! Cello Teaching Artists 🎻

OrKidstra is looking for multiple enthusiastic and collaborative Cello Teaching Artists to join our artistic faculty for the 2026–27 season.

These part-time opportunities are perfect for passionate musicians and educators who want to inspire young people, build community, and make a lasting impact through music in a supportive, Sistema-inspired environment.

If you're ready to help empower children and youth while sharing your love of music, we'd love to hear from you!

📍 Ottawa, ON
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://orkidstra.ca/news/were-hiring-cello-teaching-artists/

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with your network!

07/13/2026

🎺 OrKidstra is looking for a Trombone Teaching Artist!

Do you believe in the power of music to change lives? We're looking for a passionate and collaborative Trombone Teaching Artist to join our artistic faculty for the 2026–27 season.

This part-time opportunity is perfect for an inspiring musician and educator who wants to empower young people, build community, and make a lasting impact through music.

📍 Ottawa (at our Centre Hub location)
🎶 Tuesdays | After-school hours (4-7 PM)
📩 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early!

Learn more and apply today: https://orkidstra.ca/news/hiring-trombone-teaching-artist/

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with the talented musicians and educators in your network! 💙🎵

07/09/2026

🎶 CAMP OrKidstra is in full swing! ☀️💜

The past few days have been filled with fun, laughter, learning, and, of course, beautiful music!

Each morning begins with group music lessons, where campers build their skills, learn new repertoire, and experience the joy of making music together. Beyond the music, campers and our incredible Leaders in Training (LiTs) embraced their creativity by designing colourful tie-dye camp t-shirts—which got delightfully messy! 🎨👕

From water balloon battles and origami to interactive games that encourage teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, every day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and make lasting memories.

Enjoy these snapshots of our campers in action! 💜

Address

211 Bronson Avenue, #210/204
Ottawa, ON
K1R6H5

Telephone

+16138593559

Website

https://orkidstra.ca/

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Humanics Institute
3468 Old Montreal Road (Cumberland)

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