2024 National Symposium Recap

2024 El Sistema USA National Symposium was a Success

Nearly 200 attendees from over 60 organizations attended the National Symposium at Butler University! Thank you to all the attendees and our sponsors, without whom this event could not have happened.

This event was made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Indianapolis Center for Arts Education and Innovation at Butler University.

“Community-building events such as this symposium are imperative in continuing to build our field. Attendees had the time and space to connect with new colleagues, gather and share information, and ask questions in a safe and supportive environment. In trying to be the best administrators and teachers we can be, we are lifelong learners. And we do our best learning together, from one another.” – Emily Buehler, Paterson Music Project.

Read Emily’s article in the Ensemble Newsletter on her experience as a first time attendee here.

Keynote Speaker Eric Williamson

Eric Williamson delivered a keynote address to attendees on inspiration, connection, and transformation. He shared his work as part of the national human rights campaign to create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ students in schools. He spoke about how music classrooms in particular can be safe outlets for young people and emphasized the importance of teachers and leaders doing their own internal work of self evaluation and acceptance before being able to make an external impact on their communities.

Youth Ambassador Cohort

The third national ESUSA Youth Ambassador Cohort took a leadership role at this year’s National Symposium. Comprised of 10 high school students from 6 ESUSA member programs, the cohort prepared and trained for six months remotely. In anticipation of the National Symposium, the cohort came together in person for a week of leadership training as well as peer mentoring, rehearsing and performing with the Butler strings camp students. These remote months and in-person week culminated in three presentations at the symposium:

Opening Plenary
Student Relationships: How to Teach, Collaborate, and Equalize Power
Redefining Success: The Impact of Prioritizing Student Health through Program Activity

Mark Churchill Teacher of the Year Award: Camilo Ortiz

Camilo Ortiz was celebrated for his inspirational work as Founding Pre-Orchestra Music Director for El Sistema Santa Cruz. The award was presented to Mr. Ortiz by Elizabeth Moulthrop (El Sistema USA Executive Director).

Inspire · Connect · Transform

Throughout the weekend, symposium sessions gathered inspiration, fostered national connections, and catalyzed positive transformation in equity-based music education. Sessions included teacher training and professional development for arts administrators.

Musical Guest: The String Queens

As the weekend wrapped up, The String Queens led a session on social-emotional learning through music and also presented a thrilling concert and informative panel discussion with El Sistema USA alumni leaders.