The Philadelphia Orchestra Yannick Nézet-Séguin Music Director

The Philadelphia Orchestra is proud to be the lead artistic partner for the School District of Philadelphia’s All-City Orchestra. In addition to Orchestra musicians conducting the All-City Orchestra rehearsals and participating in side-by-side rehearsals with All-City Orchestra musicians, The Philadelphia Orchestra presents the annual All-City Concert in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center.

The Orchestra also mentors 12 talented young musicians selected through a rigorous audition and interview process—the All-City Orchestra Fellows. These exceptionally talented musicians receive additional program support to break down the obstacles that challenge students of under-represented communities. They receive individual lessons and mentoring from Philadelphia Orchestra musicians, tickets to Philadelphia Orchestra concerts, and opportunities to interact with internationally acclaimed artists appearing as soloists and conductors.

Six of the Fellows were seniors this year, and all of them are continuing their musical studies at renowned schools, including the Royal College of Music in London, Temple University, Yale University, the University of the Arts, and Carnegie Mellon. We wish them the best of luck!

Akili Farrow

Violin, String Theory School

Teachers: Jennifer Lee, Kimberly Fisher

Primavera Artist; Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth Artist; Philadelphia Youth Orchestra; Philadelphia Sinfonia; Marian Anderson Scholarship Award; Play On, Philly!

Going to the Royal College of Music in London

Davey Hiester

Bassoon, Central High Sschool

Teacher: Holly Blake

Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth Artist; Philadelphia Youth Orchestra; Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 12 and Region 6 Band; District 12 and Region 6 All State Orchestra

Going to the University of Texas at Austin on scholarship

Malique Bennett

Trombone, Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts

Teachers: Jason Stein, Brian Ewing, Nanette Foley

Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth Artist; Temple Community Music Scholars Program; Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 12 and Region 6 Band

Going to Carnegie Mellon University with a full scholarship and a trombone donated by Paul Bryan

John Polanco

Trumpet, The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush

Teachers: Anthony Prisk, Jacob Hernandez, Najib Wong

Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth Artist; Temple Community Music Scholars Program; Philadelphia Sinfonia; Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 12 and Region 6 Band; Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 12 Orchestra; Pennsylvania All State Jazz Band; National Jazz Band

Going to University of the Arts on full scholarship

Derrick Pondexter

Violin, Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts

Teacher: Dara Morales

Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth Artist; Philadelphia Youth Orchestra; Temple Community Music Scholars Program; Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 12 Orchestra

Going to Temple University

Dan McCain

Double Bass, The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush

Teacher: Joseph Conyers

Temple Community Music Scholars Program; Philadelphia Sinfonia; Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 12 and Region 6 Band; Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 12 Orchestra; Pennsylvania All State Jazz Band; National Jazz Band

Going to University of the Arts on full scholarship

Photos by Pete Checchia