El Sistema USA

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El Sistema USA

http://www.elsistemausa.org El Sistema USA® is a membership organization. We do this by providing continuing education, mentorships, resources, and more.

El Sistema USA® works to ensure every child has access to high-quality music education that celebrates their voice and potential by supporting a national network of organizations & educators. Our mission is to nurture and support the efforts of all -inspired programs within the United States. But what is El Sistema? For many the story of El Sistema in the United States began with a wish.

In 2009 Dr. José Abreu was awarded the TED Prize for his wish to "create and document a special training program for at least 50 gifted young musicians, passionate for their art and for social justice, and dedicated to developing El Sistema in the US and in other countries". Since then the idea has moved throughout the nation and the world. Awareness of El Sistema and its dedication to rigorous, artistic ensemble playing as a vehicle for social change captured the attention of those interested in working with young people living in impoverished and sometimes dangerous situations. Prior to Dr. Abreu's TED Prize wish, information about El Sistema had been filtering into the United States. Educators, performers, and administrators began to inquire about forming El Sistema inspired programs in their city. Leaders from all over the country started programs in schools, community centers, and other venues – each uniquely fitted to their specific needs. It is nearly impossible to narrow down a complete list of events or people that have contributed to the El Sistema movement in the U.S. The desire to connect and share information led to meetings and symposia across the nation. From these connections the movement gained impetus and continues to grow today.

06/05/2026

Voices from the Symposium: At the 2026 ESUSA National Symposium, Samuel Marchan led Fundamentals & Paper Orchestra: Music as a Community-Building Laboratory, an interactive workshop exploring pedagogical tools designed to start beginner students while promoting fun and challenging students at a high level.

Thank you to all who joined this interactive session at the Symposium

06/04/2026

One of the featured events at the 2026 El Sistema USA National Symposium was the keynote presentation led by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) and the Apollo Chamber Players.

The Apollo Chamber Players were joined by the Evergreen String Quartet through the HSPVA/AFA Chamber Music Collaboration and the El Sistema Texas String Quartet, bringing together professional artists and student musicians.

Learn more at elsistemausa.org/2026-national-symposium-recap/

Photo Credit: Melissa Taylor

06/03/2026

El Sistema USA is excited to introduce the inaugural cohort of Youth Ambassadors participating in the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), a year-long initiative bringing program leaders and young musicians together as co-learners to develop leadership skills and pathways into colleges and careers in music and beyond.

Representing El Sistema Santa Cruz, INTEMPO, El Sistema Colorado, ESYO CHIME, and The Raleigh Music Collective, the cohort is gathering this week at Kinhaven in Vermont for workshops, collaboration, leadership development experiences, and music-making.

Together, the Youth Leadership Institute supports youth-centered leadership practices that strengthen communities, elevate youth voice, and expand opportunities for young musicians across the ESUSA network.

Learn more at elsistemausa.org

05/26/2026

This month’s Member Spotlight highlights Play On Philly as they celebrate 15 years of providing high-quality music education and meaningful opportunities for young musicians across Philadelphia.

Through daily music instruction before and after school, more than 25 performance opportunities each year, and instruments provided at no cost to families, POP continues to support students in developing musical excellence, confidence, and lifelong skills.

POP is also proud to support young artists through its Marian Anderson Young Artist Program, which provides private lessons, individual advisement, instrument loans, and college and career counseling for students pursuing studies in classical and jazz music.

Congratulations to Play On Philly on this milestone celebration 🎉

Photo Credit: Wright Eye Visuals

If you’re an ESUSA member and would like to be featured in a Member Spotlight post, fill out the form: shorturl.at/O3Bq8

05/21/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Houston for the 2026 El Sistema USA National Symposium.

Centered around the theme We Are Here | Aquí Estamos, this year’s Symposium brought together teaching artists, program leaders, and students from across the national network for two days of learning and music-making.

We are grateful to all presenters, participating programs, partners, donors, and attendees who helped make this gathering possible and contributed to meaningful conversations across the field.

We extend a special thank you to the National Endowment for the Arts, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (, and The Houston Symphony for their support.

View more photos at elsistemausa.org/2026-national-symposium-recap

📸 Photo Credit: Melissa Taylor

05/20/2026

With the Artemis II crew now back on Earth and sharing reflections from their historic mission, we are reminded that exploration and creativity go hand in hand.

Last year, El Sistema USA dove deep into that connection in the student curriculum, A Musican’s Guide to Reaching for the Stars. This curriculum highlights another historic space mission, Polaris Dawn, and encourages young people to reach for their dreams. Explore the music of John Williams and Kevin Day, and interviews with astronauts and conductors!

Explore the Polaris Dawn Student Curriculum at polarsidawn.elsistemausa.org

05/11/2026

This May, El Sistema USA recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and honors the contributions of AANHPI communities to music, education, and the cultural life of communities across the United States.

Throughout the month, we celebrate the role of the arts in strengthening community, preserving cultural traditions, and supporting young people in finding their voice through music.

05/07/2026

Today we honor the legacy of José Antonio Abreu, visionary founder of El Sistema.

Our work draws inspiration from the model he created in Venezuela, using ensemble-based music education to support the growth and development of young people and strengthen communities.

At El Sistema USA, we work to ensure every child has access to high-quality music education that celebrates their voice and potential.

Together with our national network, we continue to advance this vision and adapt the model to the many communities across the United States.

05/06/2026

This past weekend, Apollo Chamber Players Players rehearsed with El Sistema Texas and Kinder HSPVA evergreen string quartets in preparation for their keynote presentation at the 2026 El Sistema USA National Symposium.

Student musicians will take the stage alongside Apollo as part of this collaborative performance.

Late registration closes this Sunday, May 10.

Learn more at elsistemausa.org

05/05/2026

In recognition of Cinco de Mayo, we reflect on the history and cultural significance behind the day. Commemorating the Battle of Puebla in 1862, it stands as a reminder of resilience, identity, and the strength of community.

At El Sistema USA, we celebrate how music continues to connect cultures, amplify stories, and bring people together.

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4721 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 130
Durham, NC
27703

Website

http://elsistemausa.org/

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