Washington Musical Pathways Initiative

WMPI at Equity Arc's 2026 National Pathways Festival! 🎶🎻🥁🪈📯

We celebrate the WMPI Artists who joined 71 Pathways fellows across the U.S. in Tysons, VA to take part in an inspiring weekend filled with rehearsals, student-led activities, meaningful conversations, and a powerful culminating concert featuring the Pathways Orchestra and Wind Symphony. A special shoutout to Jane Morrison (viola) for representing student voices on the fellow panel! We were so happy to reconnect with alumnus, Austin Adaranijo, as he wraps his sophomore year at Juilliard.

Students had the incredible opportunity to visit the U.S. Supreme Court and engage in an inspiring conversation with Justice Sonia Sotomayor — an unforgettable experience that highlighted the importance of leadership, perseverance, and using your voice and your art with purpose.

We are deeply grateful to our students’ families, dedicated faculty, and mentors who support our Artists every step of the way — helping provide not only exceptional musical training, but also experiences that build lasting friendships, community, and a sense of belonging. The festival also brought together pre-college and collegiate administrators, faculty, and supporters, who make the work we do possible. A big thank you to Equity Arc and their incredible faculty and staff for their mentorship, inspiration, and commitment to the next generation of musicians.

Congratulations to Bright Wang (violin), Chloe Robertson (bassoon), Collyn Wilcher (percussion), Ishaan Banerjee (cello), Jane Morrison (viola), Philip Weeks (viola), Zoie Chu (cello), and alumnus Austin Adaranijo (French Horn, ’24, Juilliard School)!✨🎶👏

Levine Music DC Youth Orchestra Program National Symphony Orchestra

Today's Senior Spotlight is WMPI bassist Jonathan Stiff, who's headed to the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music as a double bass performance major this fall! 🎓🎻🙌

Jonathan Stiff is a student of Michael Marks and will continue his studies with Kurt Muroki and Jeffrey Turner at IU. He has participated in the DC Youth Orchestra, DCYOP's Young Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, and U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” chamber music side-by-side.

Jonathan's artistic accolades include:
★ Performing at the Vice President Mansion as a jazz bassist with the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Jazz Combo
★ Summer training at the NSO Summer Music Institute, Sphinx Performance Academy, Interlochen Double Bass Intensive, and VIA Music Academy
★ Masterclasses and workshops with Joseph Conyers, Kayla Moffett, Juli Nickel, and Patricia Weitzel

With his great passion for classical, jazz, and all things bass, Jonathan is bound to go far. We couldn't be more proud of you!

📸 Jorge Amaya Photography

National Symphony Orchestra DC Youth Orchestra Program Levine Music The Kennedy Center Indiana University Indiana University Jacobs School of Music The United States Army Band Duke Ellington School of the Arts Interlochen Center for the Arts Summer Music Institute Sphinx Organization VIA Music Academy