Exploring El Sistema

It's been a while since we were all together in the same location! Sistema Fellows Program

Lexington KY – Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras is pleased to announce the creation of the North Limestone MusicWorks, a new El Sistema-inspired program in the North Limestone neighborhood of Lexington, designed in cooperation with the North Limestone Cultural Development Corporation (NoLi CDC). This program will be the first of its... Sistema Fellows Program

The day that Diogo and I performed at the Tamaca nucleo in Venezuela happened to coincide with the very first rehearsal of their “initiation orchestra.” The students, ranging from age 7 to 15, had been playing their instruments for at most two months and for others about fifteen minutes. There... Sistema Fellows Program

The May edition of Tricia Tunstall and Eric Booth's publication chronicling the emerging field of El Sistema-inspired activity in the US and beyond is found here. Sistema Fellows Program

Enjoying a field trip to Concord on the commuter rail. Sistema Fellows Program

Sistema Fellows Program

March 26 and 27 marked an important moment for Boston’s El Sistema community. On March 26, six El Sistema-inspired programs convened at NEC for an afternoon of music making: Conservatory Lab Charter School (Rebecca Levi, director); El Sistema Somerville (Diane Cline, director); Bridge Boston Charter School (Julie Davis, director); Josiah... Sistema Fellows Program

Say Yes to Assess For our students we just want the best For them to fly once they leave the nest Not only survive But also to thrive And to do that, we must assess At times it may seem like a mess with the piles and piles of tests... Sistema Fellows Program

Something remarkable is happening in East Price Hill. For two hours each weekday, Mozart, Beethoven and Vivaldi can be heard wafting from a small building on Warsaw Ave. There’s no sign – only a piece of paper tacked on the front door with the handwritten words “MYCincinnati.” But behind the... Sistema Fellows Program

As the lights dimmed, I ended my private conversation and got in “concert mode”-you know, not talking and sitting still. However, I noticed I seemed to be the only one on autopilot. Amongst my neighbors, the chatter persisted with anticipation and excitement. The music began yet the hushed conversations continued…for... Sistema Fellows Program

David France, Sistema Fellow '12, has launched Revolution of Hope in Roxbury, MA. The community being built in the Roxbury Youth Orchestra will of course be built around the smiles, laughter, and joy, but it will be sustained by how we weather the harder days... like today. While I was... Sistema Fellows Program

Founded by Stephanie Hsu, Sistema Fellow '12, an El Sistema-inspired program with thirty-one students has successfully launched in Yakima, Washington. Read Stephanie's e-newsletter and follow YAMA on facebook. Sistema Fellows Program

Introducing the online home of Changing Lives, and home to Tricia Tunstall's new blog about the El Sistema movement. The website also includes information and resources. Tricia hopes the site will be helpful to movement enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Sistema Fellows Program

A few images of the recent convening of nucleos from across the Greater Boston Area. Photos by Carlos Roldan and Heath Marlow. Sistema Fellows Program

The April edition of Tricia Tunstall and Eric Booth's publication chronicling the emerging field of El Sistema-inspired activity in the US and beyond is found here. Sistema Fellows Program

There is nothing that we seek more than happiness. According to Aristotle, we find happiness in three different types: one that derives from material pleasure, another from glory, and the third one from virtue. For the Greek philosopher, the first level of happiness, derived from material, sexual, and gastronomic pleasures,... Sistema Fellows Program

Amidst the sea of new experiences, eager children, and overwhelming amount of music that floods my mind as I reflect on my recent Venezuelan residency, I keep returning to a common thread I found: the deep desire to share. Almost everywhere, students, teachers, administrators, and even Dr. Abreu himself were... Sistema Fellows Program

Yesterday we had the honour of meeting with Maestro Abreu. It was an unforgettable experience. He took the time to listen to each of our dreams and experiences in Venezuela, and also responded to each of us. I realized that, through the Foundation, three generations have been raised that love... Sistema Fellows Program

Oklahoma City University will present a symposium on El Sistema entitled, “Music Transforms,” on April 13. The symposium is open to the public and encourages the participation of educators, musicians, and community leaders. “Music Transforms” will explore El Sistema’s innovative approaches to music education, community engagement, and social transformation. Focusing... Sistema Fellows Program

After a wonderful two days working with the chamber choir in Carora, Thursday was a day we had all been waiting for: the White Hands Choir. However, instead of a muestra (showcase), we had the extra fortune of sitting in on a rehearsal which none of the teachers at the... Sistema Fellows Program