Empowering Detroit Students Through Music

By Francesca Leo

The DSO’s Detroit Harmony program is making meaningful strides in its goal to provide music education and put an instrument in the hands of every K-12 student in Detroit who wishes to play. First announced in 2019, the program has since collected thousands of new and used instruments thanks to generous donations from people across Michigan. In December, Detroit Harmony Managing Director Damien Crutcher and his team distributed some of the refurbished instruments to Mr. Denzel Donald’s 5th and 6th grade students at Detroit Prep—joy could be felt throughout the classroom.

In continuing efforts to increase access to music education and performance opportunities for Detroit students, the DSO’s Community & Learning team supports in-school ensembles including the Detroit Pistons Bucket Band and the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation Allegro Ensemble. The Allegro Ensemble, directed by Maria Bucco and assisted by Camille Jones, is a tuition-free entry-level violin group providing training, instruments, and educational materials to students at Ellington Conservatory of

Music & Art at Beckham Academy. The Bucket Band, led by Darell “Red” Campbell, is a percussion ensemble that teaches students percussion techniques and musical principles in a fun and creative way—by performing on buckets. In February, the Bucket Band performed for a Detroit Pistons Black History Month event at the Detroit Institute of Arts, and in March during a Pistons game at Little Caesars Arena. In December, the Allegro Ensemble visited Orchestra Hall for an Educational Concert Series performance, which for most students was their first orchestral concert. They enjoyed Box Level seats, met DSO musicians, and held a class in the DSO’s Pincus Music Education Center. On April 30, both ensembles will celebrate a season of hard work by performing alongside other Civic Youth Ensembles students in the CYE Family Experience showcase.

By creating opportunities for meaningful engagement with music, the DSO empowers students to create lasting memories and build a bright musical future.

JEFF TYZIK Principal Pops Conductor