Orchestra Rouh
After-school Music Program for Grades K-12
Families: Enroll your students in this KSO after-school music program
Impact
Every season, our after-school music program, Orchestra Rouh, serves over 25 students with over 40 weeks of lessons, rehearsals and performances.
About Orchestra Rouh
Developed in 2017, this program is one of the Symphony’s two after-school and summer music programs — a sister initiative to Kalamazoo Kids in Tune. Rouh means “soul” in Arabic: the program uses the power of music to nurture hope and spirit, and foster friendship among children and families.
Created initially as a welcoming and safe space for children of Syrian refugee families and other Arabic-speaking immigrants newly arriving in Kalamazoo, the program has expanded as friendships grew between immigrant and local children. Led by program founder Ahmed Tofiq, participants choose violin or cello and learn through combined Suzuki and Middle Eastern pedagogy. All students participate in Arabic percussion.
Orchestra Rouh is offered in partnership with the Suzuki Academy of Kalamazoo.
Program Sponsors
These materials were made possible by the 32nd OST Grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP).
