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ESUSA Offers ‘Resource Hub’

05-04-2021

El Sistema USA has redesigned its former website store into a new “Resource Hub.” Members have full access to its items, including some new resources. Non-members may purchase items for a small fee.

Sparking Curiosity and Innovation through Community Outreach

Linda McAlister, Executive Director, Schmidt Vocal Arts; Global Leaders Program alumna

04-07-2021

Economist John Maynard Keynes once wrote, “The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.” Often, in new program development, cultural innovators must look past ideas that become too comfortable and too safe in order to create a “wow” idea. In working with the Global Leaders’ Program (GLP) 2021 cohort, our group of changemakers has been challenged to push through old stereotypes and ideas to pioneer new ways of thinking. Through these creative pathways, arts organizations will be able to curate and implement thoughtful programming for their communities.

Amplifying Youth Voices during the Pandemic

Christopher Schroeder, Executive Director, Boston Music Project

04-06-2021

For over a year now, our team at Boston Music Project (BMP) has worked to develop new and creative ways of engaging with youth virtually, using music and art to offer a first step in social-emotional learning (SEL) and healing during the pandemic. Because we are a Social-Emotional and Wellness Portfolio Partner with Boston Public Schools, the district-wide pivot to remote learning provided an opportunity for us to expand our existing music to more students throughout the city. Through a new partnership, a group of 25 eighth-graders from Boston Public Schools worked alongside two BMP teaching artists (Minjin Chun and music technology specialist Josh Wareham), a collegiate intern (Brandon Volel), and me to compose original music aimed at capturing the creative spirit, diversity, and youth perspectives during remote learning. This three-month residency resulted in two multi-movement digital music compositions, Caged Bird and Reflections, released on BMP’s SoundCloud channel on February 4, 2021.

In Toronto, a Student-Driven Social Curriculum Inspires New Learning

Alex McLeod, Academic Manager and Parkdale Centre Director, Sistema Toronto

04-06-2021

When Toronto’s schools closed in March 2020, we knew we were in for a challenging spring of adapting to the technological and musical challenges of remote learning. We also knew that students would be struggling with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and boredom, and it would be vitally important for us to offer help with these emotional and social challenges. Luckily, we were somewhat prepared for the transition, thanks to our Social Curriculum activities. These activities had the potential to be a key support for our students and staff—as long as we could figure out an effective, accessible way to adapt them to the online format.

TAKE ACTION: Sign the 10/20/30 Pledge

04-06-2021

We urge readers to look at and sign the 10/20/30 Pledge for racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in the performing arts. Recognizing the urgency of this moment, APAP (Association of Performing Arts Professionals) invites organizations and individuals to join this field-wide commitment to repair systemic inequities within the arts.

Los Angeles Philharmonic Launches Partners in Music Learning Grant Initiative

04-06-2021

Thanks to an anonymous donor, YOLA and the LA Phil are launching a new regranting initiative for creative youth development and music programs across the U.S.

Apply for the Future of Music Faculty Fellowship for Black and Latinx Music Professionals

04-06-2021

A first-of-its-kind career development initiative for Black and Latinx music professionals, the Future of Music Faculty Fellowship will spotlight and prepare exceptional future faculty leaders, taking aim at the representation gap on music faculties nationwide.

The AARP Community Challenge Supports Creative Aging Projects

04-06-2021

Last month, we told you about Austin Soundwaves’ intergenerational mariachi ensemble Mariachi ParaTodos, launched partly due to a seed grant from the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

Apply for a D’Addario Grant

04-06-2021

The D’Addario Foundation provides support for impactful instrument instruction programs in communities of need throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Crossing Borders IV: Africamerica, April 18

04-06-2021

BRAVO Youth Orchestras (Oregon, USA) is staging its fourth Crossing Borders concert, happening online on April 18 at 6:30 p.m. PDT.

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