Sphinx: "Transforming Lives Through the Power of Diversity in the Arts"

In 1997 Dr. Aaron P. Dworkin founded The Sphinx Organization. The Detroit based organization is "Transforming Lives Through the Power of Diversity in the Arts." Dr. Dworkin was consistently the only minority in his field, and it inspired him to change the landscape of classical music, giving minority children a chance to be a part of the classical music world. With an impressive list of supporters and an honorary board that includes Yo-Yo Ma, the organization has grown a tremendous amount over the past 17 years, and they have the statistics to show it.

"Talent does not pick demographics." -Yo-Yo Ma

The organization has several segments that work together in making Dr. Dworkin's dream continue to develop as a movement. From a tuition free summer camp for minority children, to a prestigious competition that harbors the best talent, to the creation of the first and only professional black and latino orchestra in the world, Sphinx is making amazing strides, both nationally and globally.

Photo: http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/may/10/rps-international-honorary-membership-aaron-p-dworkin-sphinx-organization

"In our first 15 years, we have been able to literally transform the lives of tens of thousands. And now, Sphinx Con is bring together global leaders from across the performing arts sector and beyond as we empower ideas for diversity in the arts. But there is tremendous work that still needs to be done." -Dr Aaron Dworkin

Here are some of Sphinx's impressive statistics:

• In 1997, 1.5% of orchestra members were Black or Latino. Today, it's more than doubled (over 4%)
• Sphinx founder Dr. Aaron Dworkin is a former member of the Obama National Arts Policy Committee, and was President Obama's first appointment to the National Council on the Arts (from Dr. Dworkin's personal website)
• From 1998 to 2008 America's Top Orchestra's had an increase of 1.24% of Black members. All orchestras with an increase had a relationship with Sphinx
• Over 100 worldwide artistic partners
• Over $200,000 in instruments
• Over 65,000 students reached in 175 schools nationwide
• Over 200 orchestra performances for over 200,000 audience members
• Over 2 million in broadcast audiences reached nationally
• More than 130 alumni in 15 competitions
• 9 commissioned works
• 2 touring ensembles (The Catalyst Quartet, Sphinx Virtuosi)
• $2 million in scholarship awards
• Sphinx Alumni graduated to every top 10 music school

What Sphinx has accomplished in just 17 years is a testament to how far we can go in the next 17 years. I applaud them for all that they've done, and am excited to follow their progress into the future.

"I'm just in awe of what Sphinx has accomplished, but even more excited about its future." 
-Yo-Yo Ma

Watch the Sphinx Story Video here:
http://www.sphinxmusic.org/the-sphinx-story.html

To learn more about this organization (or donate to their cause), visit their website at http://www.sphinxmusic.org/.
(Unless otherwise noted, all above information is from the Sphinx Organization website.)




Check back next week to see our next blog post, which is about choosing instruments for children.


Heather (iCA President)
www.InstrumentCareApparel.com