Celebrating the Mothers Behind Philadelphia’s Young Artists
May 8, 2026
This Mother’s Day, we proudly celebrate the mothers and maternal figures who champion arts education and inspire the next generation of young artists in Philadelphia. Behind every child discovering music, theater, dance, and creative expression is a guardian who understands the lifelong value of the arts and encourages their child to dream big. This shared belief is why, as the region’s leading provider of free arts education, we reach more than 40,000 students in 400 Philadelphia schools each year with opportunities to learn, create, and grow through the arts.
In honor of Mother’s Day, we spoke with mothers of current and former participants in our arts education programs to hear about their experiences.
Editor’s Note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity while preserving each participant’s voice.
Melissa and Simon
Please introduce yourself and describe your connection to Ensemble Arts Philly's arts education programs.
My name is Melissa and my son, Simon, participated in Ensemble Arts Philly's arts education programs from 2022–2023 and then again from 2024–2025.
In which programs did Simon participate?
Simon participated in the Jazz Collective during his sophomore year of high school (2022–2023), which was a weekly, school-year program for jazz musicians. Simon played piano and composed original pieces for the group.
He also participated in the All City Jazz Fellowship during his senior year of high school (2024–2025). During All City Jazz Fellowship, Simon received private lessons, professional performance opportunities, master classes, mentorship, and participated in a core jazz ensemble.
How would you describe Simon's overall experience with both programs?
Simon’s experiences with Ensemble Arts Philly's programs were incredibly positive and meaningful for him as an aspiring jazz musician and composer. These programs provided authentic exposure and interaction with the Philadelphia jazz scene, mentorship from professional musicians, opportunities to compose and have his work performed, and community with like-minded peers. Ensemble Arts Philly played an important role in shaping both his vision and his path, helping to make it possible for him to take the next steps toward a future career as an artist.
Ensemble Arts Philly played an important role in shaping both his vision and his path, helping to make it possible for him to take the next steps toward a future career as an artist.
Is Simon still involved in the performing arts?
Yes! Simon is finishing his freshman year at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where he is majoring in music composition and jazz piano. He is currently playing and composing for multiple ensembles on campus, with a focus on jazz fusion and classical composition.
His musical experiences throughout high school—including attending the Creative and Performing Arts High School of Philadelphia, participating in the School District of Philadelphia’s All City groups, and being part of Ensemble Arts Philly’s arts education programs—played a significant role in his acceptance to competitive conservatories and college programs with scholarship support. Simon’s goal is to create original music and build a life in the music world, and we fully support him!
What would you say to a parent who is considering enrolling their child in one of our free arts education programs?
I would strongly encourage any parent to take advantage of the opportunities Ensemble Arts Philly provides. As a mother raising a musician, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have a community that nurtures both talent and passion. It can be discouraging to pursue the arts today, as they are often undervalued and underfunded. Young people with passion and dedication need support, guidance, and meaningful opportunities—Ensemble Arts Philly is truly doing that work and making it accessible. I am so grateful for the priceless moments I've enjoyed, sitting in the audience watching my son thrive through his love of jazz music.
Cicely, Cheo, Ahsaan, and Yende
Please introduce yourself and describe your connection to Ensemble Arts Philly's arts education programs.
My name is Cicely and my children Yende, Ahsaan, and Cheo have all reaped the benefits of Ensemble Arts Philly's arts education programs. Yende participated in the Creative Music Program* from 2015–2020 and Ahsaan participated in the same program from 2018–2019. Cheo is currently playing the bass as a part of the All City Jazz Fellowship!
*Explore our current educational programs that support young performers in the Philadelphia region.
How would you describe your children's overall experiences in their respective programs?
The programs have allowed them to flourish both artistically and academically by refining their playing technique, exposing them to diverse performance opportunities, and instilling a deep love and appreciation for music performance, composition, and the arts more broadly. Their musical training has also translated into strong academic performance and greater confidence overall.
Are your children still involved in the performing arts?
Yes, Yende, Ahsaan, and Cheo are still involved in the performing arts. Yende, a student at Princeton University, studies jazz piano performance, teaches piano lessons, produces music, and performs at local gigs. Ahsaan, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, plays drums in one of the UPenn small jazz ensembles. Cheo, a student at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, plays bass in CAPA’s Jazz Band, the School District of Philadelphia’s MIC’d Up (Music Industry Classrooms) Program, and the All City Jazz Ensemble. In addition to his All City Jazz Fellowship with Ensemble Arts Philly, he has participated in the Temple University Community Music Scholars Program jazz ensemble since 2023 and is a founding member of the Equinox Jazz Quartet.
Yende, Ahsaan, and Cheo formed a group called Delphos and performed together at the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference in Philadelphia last summer.
What would you say to a fellow parent who is considering enrolling their child in one of Ensemble Arts Philly's free arts education programs?
Do it! We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities and exposure that the Ensemble Arts Philly's free arts education programs have provided for our children. Through these programs, they’ve received mentorship from world-renowned musicians, gained access to Philadelphia’s rich and vibrant music scene, and established great relationships with fellow young musicians in the city.
We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities and exposure that the Ensemble Arts Philly's free arts education programs have provided for our children.
My husband and I are not musicians ourselves, but it has been such a joy to partner with Ensemble Arts Philly in nurturing our children’s musical gifts. Along the way, we’ve also been welcomed into a generous and inspiring community of artists, educators, and professionals who have poured so much into their growth and development.
Marge and Abigail
Please introduce yourself and describe your connection to Ensemble Arts Philly's arts education programs.
My name is Marge and my daughter, Abigail, participated in Ensemble Arts Philly's musical theater education programs from 2018–2021.
How would you describe Abigail's overall experience in the program?
She LOVED it!! She convinced her friends to join and continues to tell people about it.
Is Abigail still involved in the performing arts?
Yes, she is graduating from college this year with a dual degree in Theater Performance and Arts Administration.
What would you say to a parent who is considering enrolling their child in one of our free arts education programs?
They are great programs. [Abigail] kept in contact with [Ensemble Arts Philly staff] and was able to work with the summer program...as an assistant artist for Middle School and High School Summer Arts Sessions. These programs were an integral part of her growth as an artist and solidified her chosen path. They are great starting point for kids who want to pursue a career in theater and also for kids who love theater, want to have fun, perform, and grow confidence.
[Ensemble Arts Philly's programs] are a great starting point for kids who want to pursue a career in theater and also for kids who love theater, want to have fun, perform, and grow confidence.
Leslie, Sharon, and Madison
Please introduce yourself and describe your connection to Ensemble Arts Philly's arts education programs.
My name is Leslie, and I serve as the Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Civic Engagement. My connection to this work is not only professional—it’s deeply personal.
My two youngest daughters, Madison and Sharon, were both participants in our musical theater education programs, where they developed their talents, confidence, and love for the arts. They also served as ShowStoppers All Stars*, proudly representing the organization across the region and sharing the joy of performance with diverse audiences.
Sharon’s journey came full circle when she returned during her senior year of high school as a student teacher with our One Musical Philadelphia program*, working in partnership with a local elementary school. She taught a musical to the students and helped with the actual performance at the Kimmel Center. This experience and her commitment reflect the lasting impact of these programs.
*Check out our current musical theater education programs.
How would you describe your children’s overall experience in the program?
My daughters have always been a bit of “drama queens”—but Ensemble Arts Philly gave our daughters the space to truly hone that energy and channel it in a productive, creative, and disciplined way. Both were accepted into ShowStoppers* and flourished, eventually serving as ShowStoppers All Stars*. In that role, they proudly represented the Kimmel Center at events like the Wawa Welcome America Broadway on Independence performance, Broadway on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, and the annual Open House.
Through these experiences, my daughters not only strengthened their skills in singing, dancing, and acting, but also grew in confidence and self-expression. They truly embraced being part of the performing arts world...they continued performing in choirs and plays at church and within the community, carrying that passion with them.
These experiences were truly foundational to their growth as individuals. As parents, my husband and I have seen firsthand the transformative power of arts education, which is why we are proud supporters of this work—I’m always happy to share the impact of our programming and am equally proud to support it through our annual giving.
*Learn more about our new musical theater education programs, Middle School and High School Summer Arts Sessions.
Through these experiences, my daughters not only strengthened their skills in singing, dancing, and acting, but also grew in confidence and self-expression.
Are Madison and Sharon still involved in the performing arts?
They are not directly involved in the performing arts but they have a passion for the arts and will always be fans and supporters. Both Madison and Sharon are both recent college graduates. Madison works with an investment firm in Philadelphia, and Sharon is working at a private law firm with plans to attend law school. While their careers have taken different paths, their love for the arts remains strong—they regularly attend performances at the Kimmel Center, and Madison is now a Young Friend of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
What would you say to a parent who is considering enrolling their child in one of Ensemble Arts Philly's free arts education programs?
If you have a drama queen or a drama king at home, consider it a gift—and an opportunity. Channel that energy into something positive and creative, and you may be amazed at what unfolds. Put an instrument in their hands, invest in lessons, take advantage of free arts education programs in your community, and expose them to arts and cultural events whenever you can. When given the right outlet, that passion can turn into confidence, discipline, and self-expression. Your child will thank you—and you’ll have the joy of watching them grow and flourish in ways you may have never imagined.
Brenda and Bri
Please introduce yourself and describe your connection to Ensemble Arts Philly's arts education programs.
My name is Brenda and my child, Bri, participated in Ensemble Arts Philly’s musical theater program formerly known as ShowStoppers. She did so as a teenager from 2019 all the way until late 2022.
How would you describe Bri's overall experience in the program?
Great! The program helped her go from shy and introverted to more confident and outgoing. Her teachers pushed her to get out of her comfort zone and helped her fall in love with theater.
Is Bri still involved in the performing arts?
Yes! She decided she didn't want to be a performer, but she still wants to work in theater and arts accessibility. She currently works for the Autistic Theatremakers Alliance advocating for Autistic people in the theater industry. She’s also interned with organizations like Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Theatre Philadelphia, and Washington Performing Arts (through the American Association of People with Disabilities Summer Internship Program). She occasionally does work in theater education as well, as she was inspired to do by her teachers from ShowStoppers. She will be a Company Management apprentice with Broadway Dreams this summer supporting one of their musical theater intensives.
What would you say to a parent who is considering enrolling their child in one of Ensemble Arts Philly's free arts education programs?
The arts are underrated and more kids should participate in them because it helps develop character. Every parent, even if they aren't sure if their kids will enjoy theater, should suggest to their kids to try everything at least once. This way, they can determine if they like it or not. My kid wasn’t sure if joining a musical theater program was a good choice given how timid she was, but she ended up loving it!
My kid wasn’t sure if joining a musical theater program was a good choice given how timid she was, but she ended up loving it!
With Gratitude to the Mothers Who Inspire Us
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate not only the love and dedication these mothers show every day, but also the incredible impact they have on arts education in Philadelphia. By encouraging creativity and self-expression, they help young people build confidence, develop artistic skills, and discover their voices through the joys of live music, theater, and dance.
We believe the arts have the power to inspire, connect, and transform lives. Through free and low-cost education programs at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Academy of Music, and Miller Theater—made possible by the generous support of individual and institutional donors—we are proud to welcome students and families from across the city to experience the joy of performance and arts education together. We are so grateful to the mothers and caregivers who inspire the next generation of artists, audiences, and creative thinkers every day.
Thank you to all the mothers out there!
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Learn more about our free arts education programming.