El Sistema Aeolian (ESA) is part of a global movement designed to offer free universal access to an intensive collaborative music program. ESA provides an opportunity for children, youth and their communities to experience a free, intensive, innovative and accessible after school music program. We provide expert instruction in a nurturing, safe and inclusive environment allowing participants to develop their full social and musical potential. We see a world in which all children and youth experience the joy and inspiration of music. The skills they will learn are transferable and include social engagement, inclusiveness, leadership, pursuit of excellence and creative learning styles. These skills and pathways will open new horizons and alternative pathways for these young people. It will assist them to achieve their full potential and enrich our communities.
Volunteering with El Sistema Aeolian started off as a practical teaching experience through one of my music education courses back in 2018. As a community-engaged learning (CEL) opportunity, I participated in music making with children ages six to eighteen, led group activities and assisted during concerts. Then, in 2019, through the Lent Solomon Fund in Experiential Learning, I co-conducted the Festival and Senior Choir alongside the tutelage of PhD Candidate, Kelly Bylica. My responsibilities included preparing lesson plans, supporting Festival Choir rehearsals, and leading Senior Choir rehearsals. In this role, I actively sought to create meaningful opportunities for musical engagement and creativity while building leadership and community within the ensembles.
Below is a video of Festival Choir's debut in October 2019 performing "Two Minutes Before Sleep" by Stephen Hatfield. This was also my own conducting debut! I hope you enjoy!
Final Concert - March 12th, 2020
Below are some photos from our final concert of the 2019-2020 season courtesy of Prisma Photography Studio! I conducted both of the senior choir pieces. The baritone voices sang John Lennon's "Imagine", and the treble voices sang "Vois sur ton chemin" from the motion picture Les Choristes by B. Coulais & C. Barratier.