OrKidstra is an Ottawa-based social development program that empowers kids, ages 5-18, from equity-deserving communities by teaching life skills – such as teamwork, commitment, respect and pride in achievement – through the universal language of music. With the passionate belief in the transformative power of music, OrKidstra started with 27 children in 2007 and now nearly 800 children and youth, both in-school* and after-school, from over 62 linguistic and cultural backgrounds.