Harmony is a strings instruction program of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) that uses music as a tool for social transformation, empowering students to make a positive impact in school and society. Launched in 2016 as a small, barrier-free after-school program, Harmony has now expanded to serve up to 60 2nd – 5th students at Riverview Spanish-English Dual Immersion School located in St. Paul’s (MN) West Side neighborhood (MN).
Harmony is particularly proud of launching their first ever mariachi camp this past summer. For years, students have been asking to play more mariachi music and this past summer they finally had the funding and capacity to launch a summer camp dedicated to mariachi! The camp was incredibly popular and prompted us to start using mariachi pieces as core pieces of our curriculum.
After matriculating from Harmony in 5th grade, students have the option to join one of ten youth orchestras and enroll in free private lessons that may continue through 12th grade.
Harmony appreciates their membership with El Sistema USA!
“”Participating in El Sistema USA has been incredibly impactful for our program. Not only has it given us access to a wide network of programs across the country, but it has also provided us with invaluable resources. This year, we have been especially to grateful to participate in ESUSA’s new program evaluations. We are looking forward to digging into our results and learning how to better service our students!”
Harmony would love to learn from other programs! Right now they are trying to diversify repertoire for beginning strings. If you know of repertoire outside of the Western cannon that is appropriate for their instrumentation and level, please reach out!
