El Sistema, a movement that uses musical group instruction as a mean to affect social change in children and youth, is implemented in two Quebec communities for the first time.
“Music…has the power of forming the character and
should, therefore, be introduced into the
education of the young.” – Aristotle
On October 22, 2012, the Québec Music Educators Association/Association des éducateurs de musique du Québec (QMEA/Aemq) will launch the first El Sistema – inspired music program (Viva! Sistema), in two distinct school communities in Quebec.
In its first year, Viva! Sistema will provide 320 hours (10 hours/week) of after-school music education free of charge to elementary school students. Within three years, the program will have expanded and will include a regional “all-star” orchestra and choir.
The design of the program directly meets numerous social and educational objectives by providing young people with an opportunity for cultural and artistic enrichment and serving as a direct solution to problems such as bullying and violence. By actively engaging youth and at-risk children in a daily, after-school, community-focused activity, Viva! Sistema will build an inclusive network through which these students may develop resiliency, social capital, and the sense of accomplishment that stems from hard work, both as individuals and as a collective.
About the El Sistema movement in music education
El Sistema presently provides opportunities for inclusion and growth through music participation to more than 500,000 young people, many of them otherwise disadvantaged, at over 205 centers or nucléos throughout Venezuela. The program is now being adopted as a model for similar music education initiatives in more than 25 countries worldwide, including Canada. At least ten Sistema-inspired programs currently exist in Canadian cities across the country
About QMEA/Aemq
The QMEA/Aemq, is a professional association that was established in 1939 in order to promote, support and develop music education programs across Quebec. It nurtures a vital music learning community and seeks to accomplish this vision by serving and connecting those interested in music education, including current and future music educators.
For more information: [email protected]
Kerry Roebuck: 514-‐261-‐3365
Viva! Sistema Program Manager