The 2023 National Symposium was a Huge Success!
Nearly 300 attendees from the El Sistema USA® membership gathered for the National Symposium at Butler University in March 2023! Thank you to all those who attended and our sponsors who made the event possible!
Keynote Speaker Dr. Bettina L. Love
Dr. Bettina Love delivered a keynote address to the attendees on Living a Hip Hop and Abolitionist Life: Resistance, Creativity, Hip Hop Civics Ed, Intersectionality and Black Joy.
Youth Ambassador Cohort
The Inaugural ESUSA Youth Ambassador Cohort presented throughout the weekend at multiple sessions, including:
- Opening Plenary
- It’s Not Music Without “Us”: The Importance of Representation, Inclusivity, and Cultural Diversity in Music Education
- Diversity in Music Repertoire & Balancing Excellence and Fun
Mark Churchill Teacher of the Year Award: Dr. Tia Harvey
Dr. Tia Harvey of Accent Pontiac was honored for her outstanding commitment to her students and community. The award was presented to Dr. Harvey by Elizabeth Perez-Hickman (Alumni Ambassador – Miami Music Project & Peabody Institute), Ebonie Pierce (Alumni Ambassador – Tuned In & University of Maryland), Mark Churchill (ESUSA Founder), and Elizabeth Moulthrop (ESUSA Executive Director).
Sessions on Equity, Excellence, and Youth Voice
The weekend was full of thought provoking and relevant presentations and discussions at the various sessions.
Musical Guest: Gateways Brass Collective
The Gateways Brass Collective closed out the weekend with an energizing performance and inspiring conversation with ESUSA Co-Vice Chair, Monique Van Willingh.
Thank you to our sponsors!
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