Championing Diversity in Orchestral Music
Empowering the Next Generation of Musicians.
Columbus Cultural Orchestra (CCO) is an exciting new orchestra program offered to instrumentalists ages 13-25 who play at least at the intermediate level. Established in 2020, the orchestra teaches developing musicians arrangements of jazz, hip-hop, and classical favorites from “Mozart” to “Miles Davis”; “Earth, Wind, and Fire” to “Drake”. We are looking for woodwind, brass, and string musicians to audition.
Debut Strings Program
The Debut Strings program, part of the Columbus Cultural Orchestra (CCO), nurtures young musicians by offering string instruction that emphasizes both classical music and culturally diverse genres. This program is designed for beginners and provides an inclusive, hands-on environment that encourages collaboration across generations and backgrounds.
Founded by Stephen Spottswood, CCO is known for embracing diversity, blending contemporary music with traditional orchestra settings, and giving musicians of color a platform to express themselves. The orchestra’s unique approach has earned praise for bridging cultural gaps in the Columbus arts community.
Support the Orchestra
The Columbus Cultural Orchestra (CCO) relies on donations to support its mission of offering accessible music education and performance opportunities to underrepresented communities.
Funding supports programs like Debut Strings, which provides essential resources, instruments, and instruction to aspiring young musicians. These initiatives not only nurture talent but also strengthen community ties by celebrating cultural diversity through music.
Donations help ensure that CCO can continue breaking barriers, offering platforms for musicians of color, and enriching the Columbus arts scene with inclusive and high-quality performances.
Attend an Event
Attending a Columbus Cultural Orchestra event is a unique experience that blends high-quality musical performances with a celebration of cultural diversity. CCO events showcase talent from musicians of color and incorporate genres ranging from classical to contemporary, reflecting the vibrant, diverse fabric of the Columbus community.
By attending, you’re not only supporting local arts but also contributing to a mission that values inclusivity, inspires young musicians, and enriches the cultural landscape. Each performance fosters community connection and delivers a fresh perspective on orchestral music.
“CCO is an eye-opener because it helps me widen my musical genres. It helps people who actually want to play different genres of music, but can’t get that in a traditional classroom.”
— Donovan Callahan, Cello Musician
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
hello@ccomusic.org