Kalamazoo Kids in Tune will hold its free Gala Finale from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, at Chenery Auditorium, featuring the youngest symphony orchestra in the state of Michigan. In an interview with Cara Lieurance, Liz Youker, Vice President of Education and Community Partnerships with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, highlights some of the program's accomplishments over the last seven years, paying special attention to the contributions of Eric Barth, known to students as "Dr. Rick," who recently stepped down as artistic director. Ahmed Tofiq, who founded Orchestra Rouh as a program for children from refugee families, says the children he teaches have grown in confidence and ability as they practice and perform.
Both Orchestra Rouh and Kalamazoo Kids In Tune will continue their programs this summer, offering music instruction, group activities, and an all-ages event called Community Day.
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