Recap of the 2020 El Sistema USA National Symposium & Seminario:
From January 31, 2020 – February 2, 2020, over 200 attendees from around the country joined with over 80 students for the 2020 El Sistema USA National Symposium & Seminario in Durham, NC.
Over the course of three days, attendees attendees 20+ sessions that addressed the intersection of excellence and access in El Sistema-inspired programs. The “El Sistema USA 101” Pre-Conference on Friday, January 31, 2020 featured sessions focused on principles of El Sistema, Finances, Evaluation, Partnerships, and, a Site-Visit to local El Sistema program, Kidznotes.
After two days of sessions and networking, the weekend closed with a final performance of 80 students from the Mid-Atlantic & Southeast region. Students rehearsed with Guest Clinicians, made connections with students from their region, and closed the concert with a performance of “Hear Our Song” – the arrangement of The Canales Project‘s theme song arranged specifically for El Sistema USA Member organizations.
Participating programs included:
Raleigh, Durham, NC — Kidznotes
Burlington, NC — Young Musicians of Alamance
Charlotte, NC — Charlotte Symphony Orchestra & Arts+ “Project Harmony”
Winston Salem, NC — Winston Salem Symphony’s Piedmont Learning Academy for Youth (PLAY)
Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids
Newport News, VA — Soundscapes
Henry County, GA — Henry For Music, Inc.