FAQ

Sistema NB is a free, daily, after-school program that will inspire children to achieve their full potential. Children will learn how to play an instrument and experience the joy of being part of an orchestra. Designed to be fun and engaging, children learn valuable life skills while at the same time grow musically.

 

A program of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Sistema NB is founded on a very simple concept - inspiring excellence through music.

 

Based on the revolutionary El Sistema (the System) program in Venezuela, the goal of Sistema NB is to inspire children and youth to achieve their full potential and to have a positive impact on their lives and society as a whole. It’s about helping to foster better citizens, while developing talented musicians.

Sistema NB uses music as a means to create social change through enriching the lives of children. As participants of Sistema NB, in addition to music skills, children can also expect to develop:

  • Improved literacy and better overall school grades
  • More self-confidence and self-esteem
  • A feeling of belonging and worth
  • The knowledge of how to work as a team, and how to help others
  • A solid foundation for the future

No, there is no previous musical experience or training required, just a desire to learn. 

Children from Sistema NB partner schools, showing enough enthusiasm and dedication to learn, are eligible to join the program.

There is no cost for the program --- but there is commitment required.

By the student: To attend every day, be devoted to the program and try their best.

By the family: To support your child and encourage them to grow to their full potential.

The program includes choral (singing) and rhythm work; and a ‘paper orchestra’ where children build an instrument they would like to play.

Sistema centres in their first years are all string instruments - violin, viola, cello, bass. In following years, all the instruments of an orchestra become an option including:

  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Double Bass
  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Oboe Bassoon
  • Trumpet
  • French Horn
  • Trombone
  • Tuba
  • Percussion

No. Musical instruments are provided at no cost and will be kept at the Sistema Center for children to use each day.

Space is limited and many more children apply than we can accept.  Final selections will be made by drawing names so each child applying has an opportunity to be involved.

To help foster a better learning environment, a nutritional snack will be provided as well as art activities, games and play areas.

Every effort will be made to provide free transportation to the Sistema Center and back to the home school.

Sistema NB is an after school program that operates daily throughout the school year.

There will be information sessions held at Sistema NB partner schools where your children can see, hear and touch the instruments and where they will learn about being in the orchestra. And, there will be times scheduled where parents can have all their questions answered.

Registration forms will be provided at the information sessions. Forms may also be available through Sistema NB partner schools or directly from Sistema NB.