About El Sistema at Berkshire Children and Families
History
Kids 4 Harmony is a program inspired by El Sistema, a visionary global movement to
transform the lives of children through classical music. Founded more than 35
years ago, El Sistema has achieved unparalleled success in providing youth the
opportunity to learn and play orchestral music while simultaneously uplifting
the children, their families and their communities. For 125 years, Berkshire
Children and Families has improved the lives of children by strengthening
family and community relationships.
Both BCF and El Sistema seek to engage parents and
communities in recognizing the potential of each child, and helping each child
fulfill that potential. The results transform a child, a family, and an entire
community:
·
Children come to understand that there are no
limits to their success
·
Families become even more invested in their children’s
development
·
Communities see every child as an asset and
celebrate their accomplishments
Kids 4 Harmony increases children’s aspirations
El Sistema’s approach to music education emphasizes
intensive ensemble participation, group learning, learning through performance,
and peer teaching.
Kids 4 Harmony is a new model for social change
About the Program
Kids 4 Harmony meets 5 afternoons a week after school at
Morningside Community School in Pittsfield Massachusetts. The children enrolled
in Kids 4 Harmony can choose to play violin or cello and are engaged in
intensive music learning.
By learning and
working together students develop discipline, self-confidence, social, and
collective responsibility. These are tools that will help them to succeed not
only in music, but in anything else they may aspire to do.
