OUR MISSION

Cellists for Change empowers youth through music by nurturing self-expression, cultivating belonging, and fostering individual and collective agency.

OUR PURPOSE

We aspire to build a more connected, inclusive, and equitable world by investing in young people, while driving sustained progress toward paradigm shifts in the classical music sphere.

OUR IMPACT

We act on the truth that equity in access is transformational and representation matters. Cellists for Change works to achieve our mission through three programs: Local Youth Scholarships, Growing Cello Repertoire, and Music Transcends Borders.

OUR VALUES

Collaboration

We believe in the power of working together for the common good.

Reflection

We expand our understanding and practices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by including reflection in all of our organizational actions.

Relevance

We provide fair and just opportunities with resources assigned to unique needs, such that everyone can achieve their fullest potentials.

Curiosity

We encourage originality, inquiry, risk-taking, critical thinking, and the life long discovery of self-expression.

Intersectionality

We celebrate and embrace the uniqueness of individuals, respect and value each other’s differences, and actively listen to all with an open mind.

Empowerment

We empower individuals by validating their ideas and celebrating the power of their creative voices.

Our Story

Cellists for Change was founded in October of 2020, a year marked by the height of the COVID pandemic, an increased national awakening to systemic racism, and a polarizing presidential election. A call to action could not have been louder. It is imperative now and always that we help our children stay strong, resilient, and confident that each of us is essential to building a future more equitable, connected and filled with promise.