Sistema NB has verified the possibility of transformative social change through music and the orchestra.  We have demonstrated that great art is for everyone and that it has the power to improve the lives of children and their families and enhance our society.  We have shown that for children, an orchestra means joy, motivation, discipline, teamwork – that it builds confidence and self-esteem and that it is incredibly fun.

Who wouldn’t want that for even more children!

What could New Brunswick and Canada learn from the barrios of poverty-stricken Venezuela about social change… and music?

We are now finding out.

Venezuela is home to a program so extraordinary it has being hailed as transformational for individuals and the society.

Over 400,000 children are now part of El Sistema (the System) and the idea is simple. Any child who comes through the door showing enough enthusiasm and commitment to learn gets the instrument of their choice and free instruction every weekday afternoon and Saturday mornings.

The kids wind up working hard at their craft.  And their hard work is being noticed. Today, El Sistema is not only producing transformational social change, it is producing among the best musicians in the world.

In 2009, the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra (NBYO) partnered with “El Sistema,” completed a fact-finding tour of the South American country, completed a one-year prototype program in New Brunswick and adopted a further 4-year plan to expand and replicate the program throughout the province.  Sistema NB now operates 9 centers, in Moncton, Saint John, Richibucto, Edmundston, Miramichi, Hillsborough,

Our mission is to inspire children and youth to achieve their full potential through learning and performing orchestral music.

Our vision is to be a world-leading, innovative and hope-instilling music education program, distinguished by excellence and for having a positive impact on children and youth and the communities where it is implemented. In addition to developing music skills, children will improve literacy and grades, gain confidence and self esteem and build a solid foundation in their lives for the future.

The goal is social change, developing better citizens, primarily among economically disadvantaged communities, through the pursuit of musical excellence.

The focal point of the child’s/youth’s experience and the primary method for learning is ensemble playing; lessons are in groups. Everything is about the team; the culture is one of mutual support.

The pedagogy includes intensive – a high level of frequency – and lengthy contact with students, minimum 10 hours/week for each child participating.

The attention to excellence unites the children around a common goal and the performance gives purpose and direction to the effort and allows the achievements to be celebrated by the whole community.

Inclusivity and accessibility strives to give every child an appropriate opportunity to participate.

Peer support is fundamental where children are responsible for each other and where those who are more advanced become mentor assistants for younger children; they become coaches/conductors; they remain involved.

The focus is on the collective practice of music, the joy of making music together, a hope-instilling music education program that enriches the lives of children.

Music is universal – every country, every people, everywhere! It’s the most live cultural element in every society – whether you listen, hum, clap, sing or play an instrument. Whether it’s a turntable, cd or iPod. Music is a social phenomenon; it exists in the everyday life of every community. Music is one of the most powerful forces in the world and one of the best tools available for social change and social action.