El Sistema Aeolian
What is El Sistema Aeolian program?
El Sistema Aeolian is an innovative educational program inspired by the award-winning program started in Venezuela in 1975. Its ultimate goal is community development through the study of music, offering learning opportunities to children regardless of background or socio-economic limitations. In the program the orchestra embodies a community where each child is an essential member, so youth can develop to their full potential. In addition to developing musical skills, participants gain valuable social and life skills, including communication, problem-solving, and self-monitoring skills.
El Sistema Aeolian offers children and youth free access to a music education program including musical instruments, instruction, public performances, and opportunities to perform in a variety of settings. El Sistema Aeolian is the only El Sistema program in North America that also provides a complete warm supper for participants.
Mission Statement
Dedicated to the belief that involvement in the arts can enlighten, inspire, and transform individuals to build a better community, El Sistema Aeolian provides an opportunity for children and youth to experience a free, intensive, innovative and accessible afterschool orchestral program. This program provides a nurturing environment with expert instruction that empowers participants to develop their full potential in a safe and inclusive atmosphere.
Vision Statement
We see a future through El Sistema Aeolian in which children and youth connect to their creative abilities, enjoy orchestral music-making, increase capacity for team-building, learn inclusiveness, pursue excellence and engage in self-actuated learning styles. Through these skills and pathways, new horizons and alternative pathways will be ignited in these young people's lives assisting them to achieve their full potential and enriching the London Communiy.
History of El Sistema Aeolian
The Aeolian Hall Musical Arts Association launched El Sistema Aeolian in November of 2011. El Sistema is a program designed to offer free music training for youth with a focus on classical orchestral music. El Sistema Aeolian is housed in Aeolian Hall, a centre for research and development of arts programs with focus on social justice, social inclusion, and community development. The first opportunities to participate in this program were for the youth from the Old East Village Community and in particular Lorne Ave. Public School. The Aeolian will be expanding this program model in the future which will offer opportunities to other areas, groups, organizations and individuals throughout our City of London. Aeolian’s launch is the 4th in Canada and is supported by a gifted group of musicians, educators, students, interested community members and the Staff/Directors of the Aeolian.
El Sistema in a Global context
El Sistema was started in Venezuela in 1975. Since then, the program has had a history of success in many cornbers of the world and is continuously spreading.El Sistema porgrams target participants who might not normally have opportunities to study music in a private setting and participate in an orchestra. The philosophical goals of the program are to help youth learn to play great music, build team-work skills, pursue excellence, and engage in unique self-actuated learning styles. Through these skills and pathways, new horizons and alternative pathways can be actuated in these young people’s lives.
Principles, Goals and Objectives
Since its launch, El Sistema Aeolian has performed several concerts at the Aeolian Hall:
Premier Gala concert on December 14, 2011
El Sistema Aeolian with special guests Sir Wilfrid Laurier S.S. Guitar Ensemble March 29, 2012
El Sistema Aeolian with special guests Catholic Central H.S. Chamber Choir April 25 2012
Year-End El Sistema Aeolian concert with the Aeolian Community Gamelan
El Sistema Aeolian senior students perform Mozart's Ave Verum with London Pro Musica and Madawaska String Quartet on February 23, 2013. Photo credit: Jim Kost
El Sistema Aeolian junior students during a rehearsal
El Sistema Aeolian choir performs its first concert. November 6, 2012. Photo credit: Jim Kost
Members of El Sistema Aeolian celebrate receiving an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant with MPPs Deb Matthews and Chris Bentley on July 16, 2012. Photo credit: Jim Kost
Len Ingaro conducts the El Sistema performance at Old East Live on June 14, 2012.
El Sistema Aeolian peform at Aeolian Hall as part of "Great Lakes Need Great Friends" on May 30, 2012
London City Council and Mayor Joe Fontana applaud the El Sistema Aeolian group after their performance at a City Council Meeting on Tuesday May 1, 2012.
