Founded in 1992 by renowned violinist Midori, the organization has reached over 350,000 young people throughout its history and currently serves students in over 70 NYC schools and organizations. Midori & Friends has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator and is recognized as a leader in accessible, tuition-free music education.

Our mission is to harness the power of music to transform the lives of children and enrich their communities through accessible music education programs that cultivate joy of learning, spirit of service, and courageous self-expression.

Call for Artist Ensembles: Celebrate! Music (2025–2026 Season)

Are you a music ensemble passionate about education, cultural exchange, and performance?
Celebrate! Music is seeking dynamic, professional ensembles to join our artist roster for the 2025–2026 school year. Together, we’ll transform classrooms into world-class stages and ignite students’ curiosity and create cultural connections and community through the transformative power of music.

About Celebrate! Music

Celebrate! Music is a live, interactive concert and workshop series that brings the sounds, stories, and instruments of the world into New York City schools. Designed to align with curriculum goals and reflect the rich diversity of school communities, Celebrate! Music invites students on an immersive, cross-cultural journey at their school.

Through this program, we connect students with master musicians and ensembles from a wide range of global traditions to:

• Spark curiosity about the world we live in
• Promote cultural awareness and cross-cultural exchange
• Support literacy and storytelling through music
• Reinforce music education concepts
• Build connection and community through joyful participation

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for professional music artist ensembles who:

• Are deeply rooted in a cultural or musical tradition from around the world
• Offer engaging, interactive performances for K–8 audiences
• Can clearly articulate the cultural context and story behind your music
• Have experience performing for or teaching young audiences (preferred)
• Reflect both artistic excellence and pedagogical insight

What You’ll Do

As a participating ensemble in Celebrate! Music, you will:

• Deliver a high-energy, interactive concert experience in NYC public or charter schools (typically 45–60 minutes)
• Engage students through music, movement, storytelling, and Q&A
• Collaborate with the Midori & Friends education team to tailor content for grade levels and learning standards
• Travel to local schools across New York City
• Optional: lead follow-up workshops to deepen engagement

Why Join Celebrate! Music?

• Inspire Young Audiences: Help students explore music, culture, and identity through joyful, hands-on learning
• Make a Local Impact: Share global musical traditions in NYC neighborhoods
• Be Part of Something Meaningful: Align your art with educational standards and social-emotional growth
• Join a Community of Excellence: Our roster includes Grammy winners, cultural ambassadors, and internationally acclaimed artists

Themes We Celebrate

We’re particularly interested in programs that represent:

• African, Latin American, Asian, Middle Eastern, Indigenous, and diaspora traditions
• Storytelling-based or literature-connected performances
• Instrumental, rhythmic, or dance-forward programs with active student participation

If your ensemble is excited to share its cultural tradition with young learners and committed to engaging, educational programming, we want to hear from you!

Please submit:

1. A brief cover letter explaining why your ensemble is a strong fit for Celebrate! Music and your interest in working with Midori & Friends
2. A short bio and ensemble description
3. Sample performance video(s)
4. Any relevant teaching or education experience

Priority Deadline: August 15 (applications accepted on a rolling basis)

Submit via email to education@midoriandfriends.org with “Celebrate Music Ensemble” in the subject line