Exploring El Sistema

From everything that I had read and heard in recent years, I was well prepared for visiting El Sistema at the source. I was confident that I was not going to be surprised by the high level of playing demonstrated by the thousands of kids that grow up in Venezuela... Sistema Fellows Program

The nucleo usually ends rehearsal at 5:30 every day, but Carlos and I got the time wrong and ended up keeping our kids until 6:00. No one told us to stop rehearsing. The kids never asked for a break for the entire three hours we were working with them; neither... Sistema Fellows Program

Every day I’d arrive at the núcleo and the teachers would ask, “So what did you learn last night?” After showing them my work, I’d go back downstairs and begin again. The more comfortable I became with the Braille (and I still have a long ways to go) the more... Sistema Fellows Program

Because all music classes and rehearsals at the nucleos take place in the afternoon when schools let out, this past week I spent my mornings at the conservatory in Barquisimeto. I am not new to a conservatory setting, but here are some new things I did that, a few years... Sistema Fellows Program

Barquisimeto Conservatory Orchestra rehearsing Mahler 5 A colorful Santa Rosa afternoon, with children practicing in the plaza Sistema Fellows Program

Normally I try to hold back the tears in a work environment, but this week has brought out a different side of me. Every day, I’ve cried. Not a weepy cry but more glistening tears of pure joy and amazement. This week, I’m spending all of my time in Barquisimeto... Sistema Fellows Program

Photo by Rachel Hockenberry Sistema Fellows Program

Photo by Carlos Roldan Photo of Carlos Roldan Sistema Fellows Program

I was waiting for the van outside on the steps at the entrance to a nucleo reading my book when I saw across the way a father pointing note-by-note to his son's music as he played the recorder. The son approached me and attempted to say "How are you?" or... Sistema Fellows Program

As usual, it didn’t take long before I found myself talking to one of the cellists, and then sitting down to give her a lesson. Lorena had only been playing for four months and so started with a short, open string piece – número 1 in her packet of songs.... Sistema Fellows Program

We hope that you will join us later this month for a symposium that we have been preparing to host after we return from our current expedition to Venezuela. Please return to this page for updates, as details continue to be confirmed. -- MARCH 27-28, 2013 SYMPOSIUM: COLLABORATION & RELATIONSHIP... Sistema Fellows Program

Just as my world is being changed everyday here by this amazing opportunity, so we can change young people's worlds. The world is ever changing, yet remaining the same--especially in terms of the circumstances we grow up in. But I believe that if we can help to transform the frame... Sistema Fellows Program

After observing several sectional rehearsals, we all got our hands dirty in the beginning orchestra rehearsal, comprised of children who have only been playing their instruments since September. We were all sitting in the sections with our specific instruments, helping out where we could. After a while, the conductor pointed... Sistema Fellows Program

Days like today really make me question because I feel like I have the most simplistic answer to the music phenomenon that occurs here and it feels too simple: repetition, repetition, repetition, and as soon as something is wrong, the student is stopped instantly and they start the passage over... Sistema Fellows Program

At the nucleo Sarría, during a rehearsal of students who had been playing for five months, I sat in the very back of the cello section, watching and helping the student sitting in the last chair as needed. Every time I made a correction, she nodded enthusiastically and adjusted. Her... Sistema Fellows Program

The March edition, including an article by Albert Oppenheimer, Sistema Fellow '12, 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

José Luis Hernández-Estrada, Sistema Fellow '12, has published a book entitled Aesthetics of Generosity: El Sistema, Music Education, and Social Change. It explores the philosophy, history, and practice he learned about during his trip with the Sistema Fellows to Venezuela last winter. To learn more, including how to purchase, please... Sistema Fellows Program

Something that has always struck me about listening to the Simon Bolivar Orchestra (the top orchestra in Venezuela), whether live or in recordings, is their unique group sound: textured, robust, and fearless. While observing children learning instruments of all ages and levels in various nucleos throughout Caracas, it has been... Sistema Fellows Program

I see PURPOSE in every strand and cell of El Sistema. Nothing is done for no reason. And nothing is done selfishly. This is a lesson I never want to forget: living selflessly. I have seen this many times in the past week. I think it is so easy to... Sistema Fellows Program

My favorite nucleo thus far was La Serria. The students played at a high level, it was partially outside, the choir was singing three-part harmony a capella after only one month, and the kids were so precious asking us when we were going to return. They obviously were not used... Sistema Fellows Program