Exploring El Sistema

I’ve found that often times our life is spent watching out for what’s to come and we often lose the time to enjoy where we are. Imagine if every day we took that time to perform. Not our own concerto or aria but a performance for ourselves, recognition of our... Sistema Fellows Program

In the course of these three days, yesterday was perhaps the most concrete; after visiting philosophy, teaching practices, and learning, we saw the actual instruments being made; the physicality of it all. In the morning at the Centro Académica de Luthería en Caricuao, we had the pleasure of meeting Roberto... Sistema Fellows Program

Not looking too bad after traveling through the night from Boston to Caracas via Houston Enjoying the view from the top floor of the Center for Social Action through Music (with Rodrigo Guerrero) Photos courtesy of Carlos Roldan Sistema Fellows Program

Before leaving for Venezuela, we were reminded that this experience is one of the few moments in our lives where we preemptively know that this journey will change us. Often times, we realize significant moments in retrospect and don’t have the opportunity to prepare. Yet even after months of preparation... Sistema Fellows Program

Photo by Rachel Hockenberry Sistema Fellows Program

Wednesday morning was spent at Caracas' Centro Academico de Luthería, which is the main training school for El Sistema luthiers. Housed in a vocational school, the workshop is run by El Sistema luthiers who teach students between the ages of 14-26 how to build and repair orchestral and traditional Venezuelan... Sistema Fellows Program

While the nature, architecture and scope of the Center for Social Action Through Music is breathtaking in itself, the truest form of beauty happened in our candid discussion with Rodrigo Guerrero in an office space (which, of course, doubles as a rehearsal room) inside of the building. We were talking... Sistema Fellows Program

Provided for the Fellows by the wonderful Dr. Judy Bose Sistema Fellows Program

The Atlanta Music Project was founded by Dantes Rameau, Sistema Fellow '10. A program of the Atlanta Music Project, AMPlify was co-founded by Aisha Bowden, Sistema Fellow '12. Sistema Fellows Program

With the belief that effective music teachers must themselves be active performers, the intensive 12-month MAT curriculum integrates advanced studies in musical performance and education with the daily demands of the classroom. Designed for musicians with a desire to respond to today’s educational needs, and who aspire to participate in... Sistema Fellows Program

El Sistema@Rainey was founded by Isabel Trautwein, Sistema Fellow '11. Sistema Fellows Program

The Corona Youth Music Project was founded by Alvaro Rodas, Sistema Fellow '10. Sistema Fellows Program

José Antonio Abreu, founder of El Sistema, has often said that “El Sistema is not a system but a process.” He encourages all of us not to copy the work of El Sistema but to create solutions that fit the needs of our own communities throughout the United States and... Sistema Fellows Program

The February edition, including an article by current Sistema Fellow Xochitl Tafoya, of Tricia Tunstall and Eric Booth's monthly publication chronicling the emerging field of El Sistema-inspired activity in the US and beyond is found here. Sistema Fellows Program

Photo by Xochitl Tafoya Sistema Fellows Program

Before heading back to California for the holidays, I spent a couple of weeks in Philadelphia and New York for two different El Sistema-related symposiums. These events coincided with the tour of the Simon Bolivar Orchestra, the top orchestra of Venezuela. It seemed somewhat of a blur--so many faces, concerts,... Sistema Fellows Program

As a child, we are told that it’s okay to be scared. There are night-lights in our bedrooms, parent’s beds to crawl in after scary dreams, and a Babar (my teddy bear) to hold. Unfortunately, as we grow older, there are no tricks to help with the scary reality of... Sistema Fellows Program

The other Fellows and I are all considering many great opportunities for next year. Some are concrete employment options with other candidates applying for the same position. Others are really great projects waiting to be realized, currently only existing in theoretical space. Additional part time jobs are available, allowing ample... Sistema Fellows Program

For the sake of providing a better understanding for prospective applicants, the following is an excerpted overview of the Sistema Fellows Program curriculum, as of January 2013. Phase I: Orientation, Understanding El Sistema Following one week of orientation to NEC and Boston, the Fellows then spend the next six weeks... Sistema Fellows Program