After more than a decade of musical growth with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO), graduating senior Meeka Touré Ortiz, a double bassist in BYSO’s Intensive Community Program (ICP), was selected - along with nine other BYSO students and alumni - to participate in the Equity Arc Convening & Festival, an annual, national gathering dedicated to expanding access and opportunity in classical music, which took place this year May 1-3, 2026 in Tyson’s, Virginia.
For Touré Ortiz, this invitation represents both a culmination and a beginning: the final chapter of a 10-year journey with BYSO, and an exciting step onto a national stage alongside young musicians, educators, and leaders committed to reshaping the future of orchestral music.
“I joined BYSO when I was around 7 years old, and over the last 12 years it has become so much more than just a music program for me. It is where I learned to become a musician, how to work as a part of an ensemble, and how to truly believe that I belonged in classical music spaces. Being able to be surrounded at Equity Arc by students from all across the country who are like me and share the same passions that I do was incredibly inspiring. It reminded me that there is a place for all of us in the future of this field.” - Meeka Touré Ortiz
The Equity Arc Convening & Festival brings together young musicians, educators, and industry leaders to build pathways into conservatories and professional orchestras for students historically underrepresented in classical music. Participants engage in rehearsals, performances, mentorship experiences, and professional development opportunities designed to foster both artistic excellence and a more inclusive field.
Meeka began playing the double bass at age seven through recruitment efforts for BYSO’s Intensive Community Program (ICP). Over the past decade, she has developed not only as a musician, but also as a leader within BYSO bass section,
During her time with BYSO, she has performed in major venues across Boston and beyond, including Symphony Hall and other professional performance settings, gaining experience in both orchestral and community-based performances that have shaped her artistic identity.
“Meeka’s journey reflects what is possible when young musicians are given both the time and support to grow artistically and personally,” said Keith C. Elder, BYSO’s President and CEO. “Through BYSO’s Intensive Community Program, students are not only developing as musicians, but also discovering their artistic voice, leadership, and sense of belonging within the classical music community. Meeka’s selection for Equity Arc, along with the confidence and musicianship she brings to the national stage, demonstrates the impact of sustained, intentional investment in young people. It also reflects the importance of expanding who is seen, supported, and celebrated in this field.”
At the Equity Arc convening, Touré Ortiz participated in orchestral rehearsals, student panel discussions, mentorship sessions, college and career networking opportunities, and visits to major cultural and civic institutions, including the Supreme Court of the United States. Working alongside faculty, guest artists, and fellow student musicians from across the country, she experienced an environment centered on artistic collaboration, representation, and leadership development. The festival offered a unique opportunity to perform at a high level while building relationships and connections that may help shape her future studies and career in music.
For BYSO, this strong representation at the festival reflects the mission of the Intensive Community Program, which provides comprehensive, long-term musical training, mentorship, and performance opportunities for young musicians across Boston. Meeka’s journey is a powerful example of what sustained investment in access and education can make possible.
As she prepares to graduate from BYSO this spring, Meeka reflects on how the experience has shaped her sense of belonging in the field.
“Studying music hasn’t always felt easy or accessible, but programs like BYSO showed me that I belonged here and that my voice matters. I hope younger students know that they should keep going, even when the path feels challenging, because there are people and communities who want to support them. I’m excited to continue studying bass at the Peabody Institute and to carry everything I’ve learned with me into this next chapter.” -Meeka Touré Ortiz
Meeka will perform with her fellow BYSO/ICP musicians at BYSO’s Intensive Community Program graduation concert on Saturday, June 6, at 2 p.m. at the BYSO Youth Center for Music at 235 Huntington Ave. in Boston.
