My name is Nina Powers. I was sexually abused at age 15 by professor Mark Sokol in the early years of the Marrowstone Summer Music Festival, run by the Seattle Youth Symphony. After a few weeks of unwanted sexual advances he insisted I accompany him to a faculty party and urged me to sip from his drink. While walking me home, he assaulted me and attempted rape. I struggled away, ran back to the dorms, and I was locked up and then expelled, because of his illegal actions.  These events were reported to both the Marrowstone faculty and management of the camp which was run by the Seattle Youth Symphony. 

I have realized that there is no such thing as simply moving on from such traumatic experiences, either for the victim or the enabling institution. I do not believe that the Marrowstone Music Festival or SYSO has ever attempted to investigate its child safety shortcomings, even when a long-time music director and educator quietly left with no explanation but much rumor, rather more recently.

I am concerned for the well-being of the children today in what is hailed as "The Largest Youth Orchestra Training Program in the USA." I also care about the many survivors of Mark Sokol and others, and I am dismayed at how the institution seems to prioritize its reputation above the rights of children.

I know how important my children are to me, and I want all children to be able have a safe and joyful time learning music, as I wish it had been for me. 

Please join me in demanding that the SYSO commission an external report from an impartial investigative firm into child abuse over the past five decades.

Sincerely and gratefully,

Nina Powers