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Equity Arc (formerly the National Instrumentalist Mentoring and Advancement Network) engages a network of local and national organizations to align, promote and develop equitable opportunities for aspiring classical musicians from underrepresented ethnicities. With a vision to create a level playing field for artists from backgrounds underrepresented in classical music, Equity Arc engages a broad network to both break down barriers to BIPOC musicians achieving success in the field and dismantle the structural inequities, biases, and systemic racism ingrained in many of the policies and practices in our field.
Equity Arc Ensembles
Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra:
The core ensemble of Equity Arc, the Pathways Orchestra is composed of young artists who study at pathways programs across the country. Pathways programs offer comprehensive support and mentorship to pre-college musicians from backgrounds underrepresented in classical music. Programs that are members of Equity Arc's National Collective for Musical Pathways nominate their fellows to audition for the Pathways Orchestra.
Please note that eligibility for the Pathways Orchestra is limited to BIPOC musicians who study at programs that are members of the National Collective for Musical Pathways. BIPOC pathways program alumni are also eligible if they graduated from their program in good standing and are 21 years old or younger as of January 1, 2026. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact us at mark@equityarc.org.
Audition Timeline:
- Applications are due by 11:59 pm ET on October 10, 2025.
The Audition:
- Solo Work: The solo should be 3-5 minutes of any work of your choice and may be performed with or without accompaniment.
- Orchestral Excerpts: Two contrasting orchestral excerpts of your choice.
Send us an email at mark@equityarc.org with any additional questions!
Equity Arc Wind Symphony:
The Equity Arc Wind Symphony brings together talented pre-college musicians from historically underrepresented cultural backgrounds for a tuition-free multi-day training residency. Musicians selected through a competitive audition process will learn from professional wind band musicians and network with peers from similar backgrounds. This experience culminates with a side-by-side performance.
Please note that eligibility in the Wind Symphony is limited to pre-college and college age musicians from populations that are historically underrepresented in classical music. Eligible students must be 21 years old or younger as of January 1, 2026.
Audition Timeline:
- Priority applications are due by 11:59 pm ET on October 15, 2025.
- Hard application deadline is 11:59 pm ET on November 1, 2025.
The Audition:
- Solo Work: The solo should be 3-5 minutes of any work of your choice and may be performed with or without accompaniment.
- Excerpts: A lyrical and technical excerpt are required drawn from the 2026 Equity Arc Wind Symphony Excerpt List.
You are encouraged to pick a piece with your private instructor that best demonstrates your musical abilities. Professional recording equipment is not required.
Send us an email at mark@equityarc.org with any additional questions!