El Sistema is a music education program for local youth from underserved communities gaining them access to instruments and nutritious meals.
The program was created by Clark Bryan in 2011. He took note of a social justice movement originating from Venezuela called “El Sistema.” The program aims to break down barriers to music education. As of 2015, El Sistema in Venezuela boasted more than 400 music centers.
First St. Andrews Church
The one in London is a lot less competitive, no auditions are required for students to be accepted. “Most of [these] kids have never touched an instrument before,” says the program’s coordinator Darren Sigesmund.
“Just like Aeolian Hall, we rely a lot on volunteers to keep us going,” says Sigesmund. Volunteers help out with everything from coordinaating meals to concerts to administration duties like signing students in.
Students get experience not just in formal lessons but in public performances as well. Each school year includes 4 main concerts. “We get to have the kids in a big, amazing concert hall fitting, and it’s a really cool experience for them to be on stage like that. It’s a beautiful hall,” says Sigesmund.
The program runs on donations to purchase and repair instruments, equipment and feed the students but the budget is tight. “It’s a struggle because we try to make do with what we have, but as a charity, you have to do what you can with whatever means,” but Sigesmund makes it work. Each meal ends up costing about $2.50 and are served 3 times a week. “That can add up, especially nowadays when food costs are just skyrocketing,” says Sigesmund.
Classes run for 4 hours with a meal break in between. “Socially, the kids love it; it’s an important time for them and us too…to sit down and hang out with them,” says Sigesmund.
Junior Choir Rehearsal at El Sistema
The students themselves can also speak to what makes El Sistema so special. “My favorite part about this program is coming here with my friends and also eating lots of food” says one student. For another student “spend[ing] the time with friends…makes it a wonderful experience.”
Many students stick with the program until they finish school. “It’s a home away from home, they feel safe here, they make friends. So we’re a community” says Sigesmund.
The program’s fourth and final concert is on June 12th. The concert is free to attend, but donations can be made through its website.
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