Orchestra program creating beautiful music

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/05/2012 (4978 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Elwick Community School in The Maples is the home of an exciting and unique school program.
The Sistema Orchestra Music Program has its roots in Venezuela. El Sistema, founded by Dr. Jose’ Antonio Abreu more than 35 years ago, is an ambitious program that offers instruments and lessons to students. The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Seven Oaks School Division have launched a pilot project based on this very successful El Sistema model.

This fascinating school program is designed to be fun and engaging. It is an intense and structured after-school orchestra program that seeks to create social change through the pursuit of musical excellence. The program runs every day, five days a week, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at no cost to the students.

The school provides all of the musical instruments for the students to use at the school. In support of the social goals of the project, each child is provided with a daily nutritious meal. These meals foster healthy eating habits and ensure each student is ready to learn and fully participate.    

El Sistema focuses on children with the fewest resources and greatest needs. This social change movement has now been successfully adopted in many countries around the world.

This community-based teaching is recognized as one of the most important new education development tools.

Known for its progressive philosophy, the Seven Oaks School Division has been very keen to be a financial partner in this initiative. Through its outreach program, the WSO, as a major partner, plays an important role as a facilitator for quality music teachers and a strong music program.

“I am very proud that we are the first professional orchestra in Canada to initiate and run a Sistema program”, said Tanya Derksen, the WSO’s director of education and outreach. The WSO also invited parents and students to some of their concerts and welcome a few of the students to participate in “mini-guest” spots on stage.

The orchestra provides music specialists to work with the students. These instructors give choir classes and string sectionals (violin, viola, cello) and assist during the full string orchestra sections.

Kristjanna Oleson is a member of the El Sistema teaching team and a music specialist from the Seven Oaks School Division. “The amazing attendance of the of the students and how quickly they are learning, is a testament to the enjoyment they get from playing music together,” Kristjanna said.  

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Maples Community Centre is inviting area residents to attended the club’s annual general meeting. It will take place Sun., May 27 at 2 p.m. The centre is located at 434 Adsum Dr. For more information contact Adam Tocci at (204) 694-3873

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The annual Maples USA/Canada two-day cricket tournament is scheduled to run May  26 and 27 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at the Elwick cricket field at 30 Maberley Rd.

For more information contact Kamta Roy Singh at (204) 227-4193 or myself at (204) 779-6101.

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The official grand opening of the new Maples Collegiate track and field facility, and Maples Community Centre tennis and basketball courts is scheduled for Thurs., May 31 at 2:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the tennis court area at 434 Adsum Dr.

For more information contact Kirk Baldwin at (204) 586-8061 or Deric Balagus at (204) 880-6444

Derek Dabee is a community correspondent for The Maples. You can contact him at ddabee@mymts.net.