Sphinx Organization - About Sphinx

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About Us - History

Vision & Mission

History

The Sphinx Organization is a national non-profit founded in 1996 by Aaron P. Dworkin, a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of Michigan (B.B. and M.M) and Carrie A. Chester, a graduate of the University of Michigan (B.A. in Multicultural Studies and M.A. in Elementary Education). A violinist himself, Mr. Dworkin founded the organization to help overcome the cultural stereotype of classical music, and to encourage the participation of Blacks and Latinos in the field. Ms. Chester currently teaches at Burns Park Elementary in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. She is a strong proponent of public education and actively works to eliminate predictable racial disparities in our schools.

In the 14 year history of the organization, Sphinx has made the following impact:

85,000 students reached in 200 schools nationwide

Over 2 million individuals reached on an annual basis through national broadcasts on PBS and National Public Radio

$300,000 in quality instruments provided to young minority musicians

$1,825,000 in prizes and scholarships administered to Sphinx Competition Semi-Finalists

260 Orchestral performances reaching over 250,000 in audiences

Our Name
The name Sphinx was given to the organization to represent some of the founding principles that guided its conception. The Sphinx represents the historical and geographical source for many minorities and exemplifies the power, wisdom and persistence that we hope to instill in our participants.

The Sphinx also constitutes a mystery, an enigma. Music shares this puzzling aspect, as it is born from the experiences and aspirations of the composer as well as the performer. Like the Sphinx, it is up to the beholder, the listener, to interpret and appreciate from the music what is ultimately a reflection of internal emotions and spiritual experiences.