Fall SemesterThe fall semester will provide Fellows with an overview of El Sistema in Venezuela, as well as current El Sistema-inspired models in the U.S. and other countries. The Fall semester will feature a series of seminars built around two primary goals:1.) To develop strategies for translating the educational approach of El Sistema in Venezuela to programs in the U.S.2.) To develop the skills to create, manage, and sustain an El Sistema-inspired program or organization in the U.S..Seminars are taught by staff and faculty of New England Conservatory, and national and international leaders in the arts, the non-profit sector and the El Sistema movement. Through these seminars Fellows will build a network of contacts with leaders and organizations that will support their work in the years to come. In addition to seminar experience, Fellows will work at least once per week with music-rich organizations in Boston, and participate in other short internships and visits with El Sistema-inspired programs throughout the country. Music Education Workshops:
- El Sistema philosophy of music
- Overview of the El Sistema movement in the U.S.
- Child development and social services, with a focus on at-risk populations
- Creative strategies in music education including improvisation, Dalcroze, Orff, and Kodaly
- Choral, instrumental, and percussion techniques
- Curriculum development
- Short internships and visits with El Sistema-inspired programs in the U.S.
Organizational Management Workshops:
- Strategic planning
- Creating and managing partnerships
- Fundraising
- Public relations and social entrepreneurship
- Non-profit management
- Fiscal management
- Program evaluation and research
Spring SemesterThe spring semester will include a two-month residency in Venezuela during which Fellows will work with El Sistema leaders, teachers and students, providing unprecedented access to study, experience and participate in the Venezuelan music education miracle. Fellows will have the opportunity to visit nucleos in Caracas and surrounding areas, as well as centers in smaller cities and states throughout the country. Upon return from Venezuela, Fellows will embark on a three week residency with a U.S. arts organization that hosts an El Sistema-inspired program and reflects excellence in arts education employed for social change.Venezuelan ResidencyFeatures of the residency will include:
- An extended residency 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 students
- Attendance at student concerts at various levels
- Roundtable discussions with El Sistema leaders, educators and students
U.S. Internship Following the Venezuelan Residency, each Fellow will undertake a guided internship at a U.S. El Sistema-inspired program. Under the guidance of the host organization’s directors and Abreu Fellows Program staff, Fellows will study both the leadership and management skills that lead to success and those that are used to overcome challenges. Emphasis will be placed on investigating and participating in the educational and organizational practices of each organization. Fellows will report back their findings and experiences in case studies and in forum discussions with other Fellows.
