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 enthusiasm and dedication, 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.

Sistema NB is an orchestral program, students can play an instrument from the string, woodwind, brass or percussion families.  Different centres offer different instruments so make sure to check on a centre’s page for options specific to that centre.

All students in the Sistema NB program begin with a paper instrument to learn proper posture and care before graduating to a real instrument.

• Strings
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Double Bass
• Woodwinds
  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Oboe
  • Bassoon
• Brass
  • 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. Children will sing, practice rhythms and learn to read music.

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.

Sistema NB teachers visit partner schools each year to explain the program to students. If you have additional questions please contact the centre directly.

Parent orientation sessions for new Sistema NB families are held in the fall.

Registration forms will be provided to students during the recruitment presentation. Forms may also be available through Sistema NB partner schools or directly from Sistema NB.