I keep checking the website for Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. They're known for their DEI programs (they've got a lot of really interesting stuff going on), and they also get NEA funding. So far, nothing on the website has changed at all, as far as I can see.

I’m at this program at the Chicago Symphony right now [link] (and it is actually fucking great).

I’m at this program at the Chicago Symphony right now [link] (and it is actually fucking great).

Neat!

Cincinnati Symphony has a diversity fellowship, where each year they pick I think four or five musicians from underrepresented groups, and they get a scholarship to get a master's degree at the university while also playing with the orchestra. They also have programs with local public schools. Plus, a youth orchestra program for local kids from underrepresented groups, where kids who get accepted (they have to audition, after taking private lessons for a year, so that's already a bar to a lot of kids) are part of a youth orchestra, and also get individual coaching and workshops and things like that.

They've got a long-running program where the orchestra partners with Black church choirs from around the city -- the orchestra plays at the churches a couple times a year, but the big event from that is when the choirs, plus dance groups and other things like that, all come together to perform with the orchestra at the Music Hall.

During the summer, they have neighborhood block parties -- free parties in low-income neighborhoods around the city, with food and face-painting and all that stuff, where the full orchestra performs a mix of classical and pop music. They also bring instruments for kids to try out and learn about, and distribute all the info about all the different kids' programs they have. They also have certain performances designated as pay-what-you-can.

They've got a Harlem Renaissance program this week. Last month, they had Beethoven x Beyonce.

At the reception afterwards. The President of the CSO just said “we are all champions for diversity in the arts”. It is very heartening to hear fullthroated statements these days.

Here's the David Byrne project I'll be involved with though I have no idea what the timeline is. [link]

Oooooh.

Oh my!

Hearing about all this art (past present and future) is doing me a world of good

I really need to make it to a Symphony event one of these days. I always seem to find out about concerts too late or have a conflict. I did see the Joffrey Ballet last week.

That David Byrne project sounds fascinating!

So the fed contract I was working on was terminated, as I suspected it might be. My boss is able to keep my coworker and I on through about mid March working on some internal projects. We have some proposals out there, including one where work could start pretty quickly if we win it, but nothing for sure. So am in a bit of limbo at the moment.

I don’t even know when the last time I’ve been here was!

I’m so sorry for your loss Shir.

I had my annual checkup yesterday. My AIC went from 7.9 in November to 5.7 on Friday. I’ve continued to lose weight. My cholesterol has improved enough that my doctor is reducing the dosage on the cholesterol meds.

Best checkup I’ve had in years.

Also the Tartan Registry of Scotland has approved the pattern “Witches of Scotland’ [link]

I want it!!!

That’s awesome sumi! The check up, but also the tartan.

lisah ugh. I hope the new project comes through.