Alexandria Symphony’s Sympatico Program Wins $50K Grant

Alexandria, VA — The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s award-winning music education program, Sympatico, has struck a high note with a $50,000 grant from the Genesis Inspiration Foundation. The gift, made possible through the support of Kevin Reilly, Owner and President of Alexandria Hyundai and Genesis of Alexandria, will power the program’s expansion into Francis C. Hammond Middle School this fall.

“This gift is a tremendous vote of confidence in the work we’re doing,” said ASO Board Trustee Melynda Wilcox. “We are deeply grateful to Kevin Reilly and the Genesis Inspiration Foundation for their investment in our mission.”

Launched in 2012, Sympatico is an El Sistema-inspired program that provides free, high-quality music instruction to Alexandria students. Hosted at John Adams Elementary, the program offers five vibrant ensembles—Cantamos (chorus), Fiddle Factory (strings), Mallet Machine (intermediate mallets), Percussion Discussion (bucket band), and Basic Beats and Beyond (K-2)—using music as a catalyst for creativity, teamwork, and social growth.

Now, thanks to this major grant, Sympatico is growing to Francis C. Hammond Middle School with the new percussion ensemble Rhythm and Grooves. Open to grades 6–8, the Orff-inspired group will introduce full-ensemble music while blending diverse musical traditions. Students will strengthen skills in rhythm, music reading, creativity, and ensemble performance.

For more information about ASO’s Sympatico program, visit alexsym.org/education/sympatico.