Fall Semester
The first 10-week semester, October to December, will begin with an overview of El Sistema in Venezuela, the U.S. and other countries. The overview will include roundtable discussions with El Sistema graduates and other leaders closely linked to El Sistema. During the Fall, Fellows will travel to different program sites to observe practical ways in which these organizations have applied the El Sistema model in U.S. cities. Fellows will also do site visits to relevant programs in the Boston area. The remainder of the semester will feature a series of intensive workshops, with ample time for Fellows to reflect together on workshop content, document their learning and explore online resources. Typical days will consist of two workshop sessions, one in the morning devoted to music education and one in the afternoon focused on organizational leadership and management. Workshops will be led by musical, educational and organizational management leaders who share El Sistema’s vision and values.
Music and Music Education:
• El Sistema philosophy of music education.
• Overview of the El Sistema movement in the United States and other countries.
• Early childhood music fundamentals training: El Sistema and other established curricula such as Kodaly, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Orff and Suzuki.
• Age-appropriate orchestra development: El Sistema materials and process, conducting and sectional instruction.
• Children’s chorus instruction, materials and direction.
• Basic percussion techniques and percussion ensemble direction.
• Instrumental instruction methodology and pedagogy.
• Basic composition and improvisation principles and techniques.
• Music theory/ear training methodology.
• Use of technology in music education.
• Instrument purchase, maintenance, and storage.
Management and Organizational Leadership:
• Basic leadership and communication skills.
• Creating and managing partnerships (schools, youth and social centers and government).
• Relations with student families and communities, including cross-cultural understanding.
• Child development and behavioral management.
• Addressing at-risk youth and communities.
• Strategic and business planning.
• Marketing and public relations (including use of web pages and social networking sites).
• Governance, including board development and management.
• Fundraising.
• Fiscal management.
• Human resources (hiring, salaries, benefits and legalities).
• Non-musical activities (transportation, homework support, snacks, etc.).
Venezuelan Residency
In the second semester, Fellows will work in Venezuela with El Sistema leaders, teachers and students, providing a rare opportunity to study, experience and participate in the Venezuelan music education miracle. Based in the nucleos in Caracas and surrounding areas, Fellows will also have the opportunity to visit centers in smaller cities and states. Features of the residency will include:
• An extended nucleo internship where all aspects of music education, performance and management will be observed, studied and participated in where possible.
• Opportunities for sectional and small-ensemble coaching, group teaching and conducting, guided by El Sistema personnel.
• Gaining familiarity with El Sistema’s core repertory and curricular materials.
• Understanding of the variety of nucleo models determined by particular environments.
• Joint performances with El Sistema faculty and advanced students.
• Attendance at student concerts at various levels.
• Roundtable discussions with El Sistema leaders, educators and students.
• Introduction to El Sistema’s innovative use of technology for musical learning, development, international proliferation and communication.
U.S. Internships
In May, each Fellow will undertake a guided internship in a U.S. El Sistema model program that works with underserved or at-risk youth and employs music to bring about social change. Under the guidance of the organization’s directors and Abreu Fellows Program staff, Fellows will study the leadership and management skills that lead to success. Emphasis will be placed on student support, organizational partnership dynamics, parent and community relations, funding, recruitment/retention and creating the ideal program culture or ethos. Following the internships, Fellows will share their findings and experiences with each other in forum discussions.
