El Sistema: Transforming Lives, Renewing Communities

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1 El Sistema: Transforming Lives, Renewing Communities The El Sistema network and Sistema-inspired programs around the world have earned significant acclaim from educators and social policy makers. El Sistema, first developed in Venezuela s National System of Youth Orchestras and Choirs, is specifically designed to provide a means for children to lift themselves out of poverty by immersing them in intensive, challenging, high-quality musical ensemble environments. This is done by cultivating an affluence of spirit that enables children and their families to persevere through hardship and promote positive change in their community. The program is based on cooperative educational practices that emphasize trust, empathy, discipline, perseverance, and a curriculum that uses small-scale success to fuel the accomplishment of future, more complex challenges. More than educators, Sistema faculty act as social pedagogues that support their student s overall cognitive, social, and creative development. The incredible success of this program (started in 1975, now present in all continents, 58 countries, over 300 separate programs) within high-poverty communities is well documented. Literally hundreds of thousands of young people have been empowered by this program to achieve success in school and beyond. To learn more about El Sistema: 1. DVD: Tocar Y Luchar, A film by Alberto Arevelo. 2. Changing Lives: Gustavo Dudamel, El Sistema, and the Transformative Power of Music; Tricia Tunstall, 2012 WW Norton & Company, Inc. 3. Aesthetics of Generosity: El Sistema, Music Education, and Social Change; Jose Luis Hernandez-Estrada, 2012, Createspace, Inc. 4. From the model of El Sistema in Venezuela to current applications; Maria Majno, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1252 (2012), p

2 OrchKids (MD) Baltimore Symphony Orchestra OrchKids is a year-round after school music program designed to create social change and nurture promising futures for youth in Baltimore neighborhoods. Potter, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: OrchKids (2013) Shoemaker, The Pedagogy of Becoming (2012) Performance data: 15% increase in reading grades (standardized tests) 18% increase in math grades (standardized tests) 70% students at or above standard (Maryland Standard Achievement Test) in reading 75 % students at or above standard (MSAT) in math 75% of students report they enjoy school 95% express optimism for future career opportunities 75% express confidence in their abilities to succeed in school 95% student attendance rate Students in the program score very highly on standardized survey (BASC) in: School engagement Social skills Leadership skill and executive function (discipline and planning) School attendance: Parents report: Students better able to manage emotions while engaging in academic challenges this led to higher levels of academic accomplishment Students are much more confident in their abilities and deeply committed to their school and program Strongly affirm the value of their child developing the life skill of learning to read music and play a musical instrument Appreciate a safe environment after school for their kids to enjoy while they are at work A large majority of the students report: A new desire to attend college Deeper empathy for others Strong desire to be at school and be with friends in the program 100% of school teachers and administrators report: OrchKids has had a very positive affect on their school and the students, they appreciate the academic support and cultural enrichment now available for these families 2

3 Boston Conservatory Lab Charter School The Boston Conservatory Lab Charter School empowers a diverse range of children as scholars, artists, and leaders through a unique and rigorous academic and music education. Campe & Kaufman (2013) Performance data: Over 81.3% of students demonstrate on-level or advanced proficiency in literacy, math, and science 86% of children (K-5 th grade) demonstrate at or above on-level proficiency (range of 60% to 90% of state standards) Behavior assessment matrix demonstrates: 30% increase in selfregulation, 10% increase in motivation, scores of 100% for responsibility and respect for peers. School attendance: Parents report that their child demonstrates: Higher academic achievements and engagement in school activities Growing confidence in their abilities Parents appreciate the special school programs designed for their continued learning and engagement with their children s learning Students report much higher aspirations for their future, including plans for college study 100% of the students each year compose and perform at least one original musical composition The Charter School nourishes its ties to community by offering numerous performances throughout the year to many different organizations The Lab Charter School frequently hosts academic symposium and national education programs of all kinds 3

4 El Sistema Colorado (Boulder) El Sistema Colorado is a visionary movement that transforms the lives of children through music; a new model of social change. Our mission is to empower children by providing an intensive after-school music program that teaches the importance of teamwork, promotes self-control, and instills the value of social responsibility. Brennan (2013) Performance data: Third graders demonstrate proficiency 11.2% above state average Fourth graders demonstrate proficiency 7% above state average Behavior matrix shows third graders demonstrate a 13% increase over state average in self-control and 9% increase in discipline Behavior matrix shows fourth graders demonstrate 14% increase over state average in self-control and 12% increase in discipline 100% of students improve their grades from % choose to remain in the program (from to ). Most cited reason for this: they want to be with their friends in school and the nucleo Program evaluation matrix documents a dramatic improvement in the A strong majority of students report they have a dramatically improved confidence in their abilities and now look forward to school and the program A strong majority of students report a new desire to attend college A strong majority of students report feeling more understanding and empathy for other people in the program 100% of parents report: Their children are more confident in school They have higher levels of pride in their accomplishments They express higher levels of hope for their future Parents appreciate the special school programs designed for their continued learning and engagement with their children s learning 75% of parents report that, before their child joined the program, virtually all of their child s after-school time was spent watching TV 100% of school teachers and administrators report: Program students have improved academic achievement, are more confident in general, and regularly demonstrate pride in their accomplishments 4

5 The People s Music School Youth Orchestra (Chicago, IL) The People s Music School is the first free community music school in the country. Students receive a comprehensive musical education on the instrument of their choice, with an emphasis on music theory. The YOURS Project is the People s Music School s El Sistema program that provides free, orchestral afterschool music education to children throughout Chicago Public Schools. In just two years, we have transformed the lives of 700 students through music education at 4 public schools, making it one of the most successful El Sistema programs in the country. School enrollment: 500 A majority of parents report: Their child s health and well-being have improved They have earned better grades They communicate with others more effectively Program evaluation matrix documents a dramatic improvement in the Program analysis shows that students have increased their academic performance and enhanced their ability to communicate effectively with others Students report that they have accomplished most of their goals for the year ( ) and as a result have decided to set higher goals for next year and for their future A large majority of the students report a new desire to attend college A strong majority of students report that they look forward and are motivated to come to school and the program each day 5

6 KidZNotes (Durham, NC) KidZNotes seeks to be a catalyst for change that uses music to build a thriving network of children, families and partners where the passion for music unleashes the human potential to transform lives and communities. Program enrollment: 200 (K-6 th grade) 60% of these children qualify for free school lunches Program data: 83% of program students are A and B students while only 59% of non-sistema students in same schools demonstrate the same level of work 79% of program students demonstrate improvement in problem solving skill 90% demonstrate determined & persistent behavior 95% demonstrate obedient and consistently good behavior School attendance: Program evaluation matrix documents a dramatic improvement in the Students report they have a dramatically improved confidence in their abilities and now look forward to school and the program A strong majority of students report feeling more understanding and empathy for other people in the program A large majority of the students report a new desire to attend college A strong majority of parents report: Their children show higher commitment levels to school and program They are more determined to succeed They are better able to persist through challenges and solve problems Parents appreciate the special school programs designed for their continued learning and engagement with their children s learning 6

7 B Sharp Fort Worth (TX) B Sharp Fort Worth seeks to create orchestras and ensembles of young musicians who appreciate their own worth and importance, are accountable for themselves, and act responsibly toward others. Schurgin (2012) Program enrollment: 80 (1 st -6 th grades) Earned the Fort Worth Gold Seal Program of Choice Prize (2012) Program students have increased their grades and test scores in math, science, and reading Program students score above the state average in math and reading School attendance: Program absentee rate decreases 2% from 2012 Program evaluation matrix documents a dramatic improvement in the Students report they have a dramatically improved confidence in their abilities and now look forward to school and the program A strong majority of students report that they look forward and are motivated to come to school and the nucleo each day A strong majority of students report feeling more understanding and empathy for other people in the program Parents appreciate the special school programs designed for their continued learning and engagement with their children s learning 7

8 Youth Orchestra Los Angeles The Youth Orchestra Los Angeles provides free instruments, intensive music training, and academic support to over 600 students from underserved neighborhoods, empowering them to become vital citizens, leaders, and agents of change. Silk, Griffin, Chow (2008) Flenaugh (2012) Program enrollment: 630 students (K-12 th grades) Program led by Gustavo Dudamel, Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (himself an El Sistema product) The program reports dramatic student progress in: Academic achievement (grades and test scores) Communication skill Social development (working with others) Concentration and ability to focus attention Discipline and executive function Perseverance and coping with challenges Pride in accomplishments Hope for the future School attendance: Students report they have a dramatically improved confidence in their abilities and now look forward to school and the program A strong majority of students report feeling more understanding and empathy for other people in the nucleo A large majority of the students report a new desire to attend college Parents appreciate the special school programs designed for their continued learning and engagement with their children s learning Numerous in-school residencies immerse thousands of LA students in the Sistema experience and encourage them to learn, grow and reach their full potential 8

9 Renaissance Arts Academy (Los Angeles, CA) The Renaissance Arts Academy is a small music and performing arts school providing an integrated classical education for middle and high school students from all backgrounds. Through rigorous academic inquiry, collaborative small-group instruction, and professionally-guided arts training, the Academy cultivates 21 st century Renaissance citizens: autonomous scholars able to synthesize intellectual curiosity and academic discernment with artistic discipline to help build a rational, tolerant and hopeful future for all. Program enrollment: 360 students (K-12, tuition-free, admission by lottery) 100% graduation rate 97% of students attend college 2009, 2013 California Distinguished School Awards 2013, California Department of Education Exemplary Arts Program Award Ranked 9 th in state for educational quality Standardized state STAR tests: 83% of students at or above proficiency in English 60% at or above proficiency in math 80% at or above proficiency in science School attendance percentage higher than state average Program evaluation matrix documents a dramatic improvement in the A strong majority of students report: They have a dramatically improved confidence in their abilities They now look forward to school each day They have an enhanced positive appreciation for their future They are better able to concentrate and focus on learning challenges A strong majority of students report feeling more understanding and empathy for other people in the program Students report that they have accomplished most of their goals for the year ( ), and as a result have decided to set higher goals for next year and for their future Renaissance Arts Academy builds community support by arranging frequent student performances in their community performing for: foreign diplomats, on stage with The Black-Eyed Peas, and frequent performances in Disney Hall and the Hollywood Bowl 9

10 Miami Music Project: Composing Better Lives The Miami Music Project uses music as an instrument for social transformation, empowering children to acquire values and achieve their full potential, positively affecting their society through the study and performance of music. Program enrollment: 300 students (K-12 th grades, program only two years old) A strong majority of program families have a net income less than $25,000 Program behavior matrix results: 18% to 4% reduction of students who lack the ability to express anger and conflict appropriately 26% to 7% reduction of students who have difficulty communicating with adults 36% to 3% reduction of students who do not communicate effectively with peers 97% of students maintain or improve their grades and test scores 60% of parents report academic improvement directly linked to program participation 100% of parents report program has helped their child get along with other people 85% of program students are on the honor roll Students report they have a dramatically improved confidence in their abilities and now look forward to school and the program A strong majority of students report feeling more understanding and empathy for other people in the program Parents report: Their child s health and well-being has improved They are better able to manage their anger and frustration They more effectively communicate with others School teachers report: Program students are more engaged in the classroom They show a dramatic improvement in ability to complete tasks They are more able to solve new, challenging problems 10

11 San Diego Youth Symphony Community Opus Project The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory proves community-based music programs for at-risk youth in San Diego County. Smith (2013) Program enrollment: 3,000 students (started in 2010 with 65) 2012 Grand Prize Winner of Boardsource Prudential Leadership Award School attendance: Program evaluation matrix documents a dramatic improvement in the Program students report: They have a dramatically improved confidence in their abilities and now look forward to school and the program each day A strong majority feel more understanding and empathy for other people in the nucleo Students report that they have accomplished most of their goals for the year ( ) and as a result have decided to set higher goals for next year and for their future A large majority of the students express a new desire to attend college School teachers report: Program students exhibit many fewer behavior problems in class Students are better able to communicate effectively with others Students are better able to manage their frustration during learning challenges *Report compiled by Dr. Joel Panciera for Sistema Tulsa. 11