Sistema Winnipeg is a music program that changes lives. It is a daily, intensive, music education program that focuses on children with the fewest resources and greatest need. It delivers musical training to children after school for three hours a day, five days a week, at no cost to their families. Sistema Winnipeg encourages children to reach their full potential and inspires greater social change within the community.
This annual concert in benefit of Sistema Winnipeg will feature the Sistema students in their first public performance of the 2018 – 2019 season. The concert will also feature the innovative choral music of Camerata Nova. The event is hosted by WSO Resident Conductor Julian Pellicano.
Sistema Winnipeg is a partnership between the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO), Seven Oaks School Division and Winnipeg School Division. In 2017-18, the program engaged 160 children in grades 1-8 at two ‘nucleos’ or school locations, Elwick School and King Edward School. Approximately 49% of Sistema Winnipeg students are Newcomers to Canada, and 36% come from an Indigenous background.
This program uses the power of ensemble music to dramatically change the trajectory of children’s lives, through philosophies of inclusion, teamwork, artistic excellence, intensity, mentorship, and community focus. Sistema Winnipeg offers a well-rounded, high quality music education, including musical training, yoga, healthy snacks, performance opportunities, social events and family engagement. Sistema continues to grow towards a full symphonic orchestra. Instruction in woodwind, brass and percussion instruments has been added to the existing orchestral strings programming.
Since its inception in 2011, the WSO has worked with a researcher at the University of Manitoba to conduct an evaluative long-term study of Sistema Winnipeg. To date, the study has found a closing of the gaps between children’s standardized reading and mathematical achievement levels. Instances of tardiness and absenteeism are significantly lower, and school suspensions have dropped dramatically.
Children are making gains in confidence, concentration, focus, communications skills, presence, pride, impulse control, identify and outgoingness. Children are also making gains in making friends, general behavior, responsibility, contributing to household chores, teamwork, conflict resolution, decision-making, respect for people and property, cultural integration, sense of safety and lower stress levels.
Best of all, 100% of surveyed parents believe their child is more confident, and 98% are more optimistic about their child’s future.
The concert will be at the St. John’s College Chapel, University of Manitoba, 92 Dysart Road at Sunday November 18 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $40 for adult and $15 for students and children.
Reception and Silent Auction to follow the concert. Call the box office at 204-949-3999 or click here for tickets.