Development of
National Alliance for Audition Support
N A A S
John was responsible for the development of the program while at New World Symphony along with the Sphinx Organization and the League of American Orchestras.
Art brings humans together.
The National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS) is an unprecedented national initiative to increase diversity in American orchestras. It does so by offering Black and Latinx musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, and audition previews. NAAS is made up of the Sphinx Organization, the lead program administrator and fiscal agent for the Alliance; the New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy; and the League of American Orchestras, representing 700 orchestras. A group of Black and Latinx professional musicians act as thought leaders, guides, and advisors for the Alliance. NAAS is supported by a three-year grant of $1.95M from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation as well as contributions from over 100 orchestras across the U.S.
