OUR MISSION

Cellists for Change empowers youth through music by nurturing self-expression, cultivating belonging, and developing individual and collective agency.

OUR PURPOSE

We aspire to build a more equitable, inclusive, and connected world by investing in young people while making diversity-centered paradigm shifts within the classical music sphere.

OUR IMPACT

We are committed to actualizing the fundamental truths that equity in access is transformational and representation matters. Cellists for Change works to achieve our mission and purpose through three programs: Local Youth Scholarships, Growing Cello Repertoire, and Music Transcends Borders.

OUR VALUES

Collaboration

We believe in the power of working together for the common good.

Reflection

We are committed to developing and expanding our understanding and practices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Relevance

We believe in providing fair and just opportunities with resources assigned to unique needs such that everyone can achieve their fullest potentials.

Curiosity

We encourage originality, inquiry, risk-taking, critical thinking, and the life long discovery of self-expression.

Intersectionality

We celebrate and embrace the uniqueness of individuals, respect and value each other’s differences, and actively listen to all with an open mind.

Empowerment

We believe in empowering individuals by validating their ideas and celebrating the power of their creative voices.

Our Story

Cellists for Change was founded in October of 2020, a year marked by the height of the COVID pandemic, an increased national awakening to systemic racism, and a horrifically polarizing presidential election. A call to action could not have been louder. It is imperative now and always that we help our children stay strong, resilient, and confident that each of us is essential to building a future more equitable, connected and filled with promise.

Since our founding, we have served over 120 youth and 1,400 community members throughout Colorado, Iowa, and the Western Highlands of Guatemala.