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2024 National Symposium

Calling all administrators, teaching artists, and changemakers working in the field of equity-based youth music programs and creative youth development!

Program Director & Manager Forum: Defining Success – for Your Program and for Yourself

September 18 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Start the school year with renewed purpose and join us for an enriching discussion on the concept of success. Network with fellow directors, share insights, and gain fresh perspectives on defining success in your music programs. Discover why finding your own definition of success is crucial for career sustainability, while still respecting and aligning with your program's mission. This forum will equip you with the tools and inspiration needed to thrive both personally and professionally. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership and drive your program to new heights!

CEO Forum: Compensation Structure

September 25 @ 12:00 pm
Join us for a conversation as Jessica Zweig, Executive Director of Play On Philly shares insights from a nationwide conversation with fellow El Sistema organizations on the complexities of Teaching Artist compensation. This session will delve into the findings of their comprehensive survey, revealing how programs across the country are balancing organizational needs with the aspirations of their invaluable Teaching Artists. We'll explore job structures, compensation scales, and the critical factors that influence both organizational culture and financial sustainability. This discussion is essential for anyone seeking to understand the evolving landscape of Teaching Artist salaries within the El Sistema context in the US.

Teaching Artist Forum: Lesson Planning and Procedure Setting with Cultural Humility

Join us for a dynamic virtual workshop, facilitated by TATI and featuring guest presenter Jasmine Fripp, a Grammy-nominated music educator and founder of The Passionate Black Educator. This session will offer participants practical strategies to create lesson plans that honor and integrate students' cultural backgrounds and experiences. Jasmine Fripp will guide attendees through the process of designing lesson plans that not only support diverse learning styles but also foster musical skill development in a way that is inclusive, intentional, and transformative. The workshop will emphasize the importance of setting specific learning goals, aligning assessments, and using scaffolding to ensure that all students can succeed. Whether you're aiming to build concert-ready ensembles or develop deeper musical understanding, this session will equip you with the tools to create a classroom environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

Collegiate Access for Young Musicians: Virtual College Fair & Finding the Best Fit

October 8 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Connect with a variety of colleges and conservatories across the country and learn how to find a music school that is the “best fit” for you. This session will help you determine what aspects to consider when applying to college and show you how to identify schools that meet your criteria.

Who is this session for? This session is targeted towards prospective music students and families seeking to begin their college preparation process. This session will also be beneficial for private instructors and program managers who are supporting their students’ musical journey.

This session is free to all attendees.

Teaching Artist Forum: TA Forum Teacher Talks

TA Forum Teacher Talks November 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Register Facilitated by Teaching Artists Training Institute The newly formed Teaching Artist Forum aims to provide a space for Teaching…

Equity Arc Wind Symphony

The Equity Arc Wind Symphony brings together talented pre-college musicians from historically underrepresented cultural backgrounds for a tuition-free multi-day training residency with the United States Marine Band (USMB). Musicians selected…

Collegiate Access for Young Musicians: Optimizing Your College Application & Audition

November 12 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This session will help you refine the non-musical aspects of your college application and audition. Hear tips to optimize your pre-screening recording, college essay, interview, and audition skills.

Who is this session for? This session is targeted towards prospective music students and families seeking to begin their college preparation process. This session will also be beneficial for private instructors and program managers who are supporting their students’ musical journey.

Registration is free for Equity Arc and El Sistema USA members, and $35 for non-members.
Learn more about Equity Arc membership | Learn more about El Sistema USA membership

CEO Forum

Join us for a dynamic session led by Peter Compo, a DuPont veteran and strategic advisor to El Sistema USA and other Sistema-inspired programs across the U.S., as we delve into the 3Ws every board needs: wisdom, work, and wealth. We’ll explore key aspects of achieving these 3Ws, such as tracking commitments, ensuring balanced reporting, and fostering active participation in board meetings, whether in person or on Zoom. Peter will also address the critical role board members play in holding the executive director/CEO and staff accountable for meeting their commitments and maintaining proper operations.

In addition, we’ll examine the importance of developing a shared strategy between the board and executive director/CEO—one that’s not just a list of goals, nor a unilateral or "rubber stamp" approach. Finally, we’ll discuss how to tackle crises head-on, addressing difficult situations and organizational underperformance with the urgency they demand. Register now to gain invaluable insights on building a more effective, engaged board for your Sistema-inspired organization!

Program Director & Manager Forum: Best Practices for Supporting Beginning Students and their Families

Join us for a dynamic session focused on supporting new students and fostering their success. Connect with fellow administrators, exchange ideas, and explore innovative strategies to help students define and achieve their own paths to success. Learn why it's crucial to support students in finding their own definitions of success while aligning with your institution's values. This session will equip you with the insights and tools needed to enhance your leadership and provide exceptional support to students, setting the stage for their future achievements. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your impact and drive student success to new heights!

POSTPONED: Collegiate Access for Young Musicians: Navigating the College & Audition Process with Undocumented Parents

December 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This session addresses the unique challenges faced by students with undocumented parents as they navigate the college admissions and audition process. Hear practical advice on how to handle specific situations, seek support, and utilize available resources specifically for students with undocumented parents.

Who is this session for? This session is targeted towards prospective music students and families with undocumented parents. This session will also be beneficial for private instructors and program managers who seek guidance in this area. Spanish translation will be provided.

Registration is free for Equity Arc and El Sistema USA members, and $35 for non-members.
Learn more about Equity Arc membership | Learn more about El Sistema USA membership

ESUSA Youth Ambassador Program Application Deadline

The 2025 ESUSA Youth Ambassador Program is for high school students (grades 9-12) who have been active in an El Sistema USA program for at least 2 years. Students must be available for the in-person event in Baltimore, MD from June 15-21, 2025

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