Founded by Wesley Hornpetrie, Regenerate! Orchestra of DMV invites people of all backgrounds—regardless of musical training—to co-create inclusive concert experiences. Inspired by a sister chapter in Michigan, R!O centers human connection and community participation, asking, “What if we rebuilt the orchestra with empathy at its core?” Through collaborations with local arts partners and institutions like the National Orchestral Institute + Festival, R!O is transforming the future of orchestral performance—one welcoming note at a time.
In 2023, Wesley Hornpetrie, an Academy Innovation Studio designer and ‘24 PhD graduate from the School of Music, started Regenerate! Orchestra (R!O) of DMV to create orchestra concert gatherings that are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all. The orchestra is the first of its kind in the greater D.C. region, functioning as a community orchestra that invites anyone to participate, regardless of their level of musical training. From rope tying, to reciting poems, R!O provides a space for everyone to collectively contribute to an orchestra experience. As a result, even individuals with little to no formal music education can sign up to perform in a show. R!O puts community and place making at its core, and asks the essential question, “What if we rebuilt the orchestra… with human connection as the foundation?”
R!O follows a model pioneered by composer and founder, J. Clay Gonzalez, of Regenerate! Orchestra of Michigan. Wesley was inspired to create the DMV chapter after witnessing the profound community impact of Clay’s work, which had been developing in Michigan for over ten years. The two R!O chapters frequently collaborate, exchanging ideas and experiences to further the mission of both chapters.
In June 2024, Wesley joined as one of the designers in the Innovation Studio working with the National Orchestral Institute + Festival. In collaboration with Clay, she brought R!O to a workshop for NOI fellows, where she encouraged musicians to think through creative ways to engage with their audiences during performances. This experience marked a significant milestone for R!O DMV, as it allowed them to develop a new educational programming model for the organization—one that can be taken to other academic and orchestral institutions. “Through AIE and Innovation studio, we were given the chance to grow our young organization.” Wesley said.
Looking ahead, Regenerate! Orchestra of DMV continues to establish itself in the local arts scene. The group has held several performances in partnership with organizations such as UMD Arts for All, Riverdale Arts Council, and UMD College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS), with plans for more shows in 2025, supported by exciting new partnerships.
For updates on upcoming performances or to learn how to get involved, follow @regenerate_orchestra_dmv on Instagram.