NEWS / EVENTS
Prepare to be amazed as we present a lineup of incredible events showcasing your talents. From captivating performances to enriching workshops, there is something extraordinary waiting for you.
Join us as we celebrate the magic of music together!
SUMMER 2024
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SUMMER 2024 *
Marcus, New School Student.
We had the work of students from New School featured on Creative Abundance Collaborative, a national platform that amplifies youth voices.
We went to Finland!
We are proud to share that El Sistema was selected from a highly competitive pool of 550 submissions to present a workshop at the prestigious 2024 International Society of Music Education (ISME) Conference in Helsinki, Finland.
The workshop, titled "Melodies of Hope: The Lessons and Music of a Cross Cultural International Collaboration," brought together eight students from Radcliff Elementary School, educators from El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley in California, the renowned Sibelius Academy, and a local Finnish elementary school. This collaborative initiative aimed to explore the rich diversity of music education practices across different cultural and geographical contexts. Participants examined the similarities and differences in teaching methods, language, and cultural influences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of global music education.
"We were thrilled and honored to have been selected to represent our community at the 2024 ISME Conference," said Camilo Ortiz, Musical Director of El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley. "This workshop highlighted our commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and the transformative power of music education."
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions, discussions, and collaborative performances, gaining valuable insights and practical strategies to enrich their own music education programs.
The 2024 ISME Conference, held from July 28 to August 2, 2024, served as a premier platform for music educators, researchers, and practitioners worldwide to exchange ideas, engage in professional development, and celebrate the powerful role music education plays in transforming lives.
We are thrilled to share that two exceptional students, Giselle and Carlos Mota Cardenas, both enrolled at the Pajaro Valley Unified School District's Virtual Academy, were nominated and proudly participated in the prestigious National Seminario Ravinia 2024: Orchestras for All. This event took place last summer from July 7–11 at Ravinia, marking its second assembly of over 100 students from El Sistema–inspired organizations worldwide. For four unforgettable days, the students engaged in immersive orchestral training, community building, and performance.
Trip to Ravinia: A Milestone Achievement
Giselle and Carlos joined their peers from around the globe in an enriching and transformative experience. They had the incredible opportunity to share their talents, collaborate with fellow musicians, and immerse themselves in a supportive and inspiring musical environment.
Under the mentorship of members from the National Orchestral Institute + Festival (NOI+F) and the artistic leadership of Marin Alsop and Jessica Altarriba, the students received expert guidance to further develop their musical abilities and artistic expression.
The highlight of the event was the culminating performance on July 10, where Giselle and Carlos performed side-by-side with the NOI+F Philharmonic in the Pavilion at Ravinia. This provided them with an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their talent and dedication on a world-class stage—an experience they will carry with them for years to come.
“We are incredibly proud of Giselle and Carlos for representing El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley at National Seminario Ravinia,” said Amalia Diaz, Music Director of El Sistema's Youth Orchestra. “Their participation exemplified the power of music to unite communities and inspire positive change. It was a truly transformative experience for both of them.”
This memorable journey not only highlighted the students' talents but also reaffirmed the life-changing impact of music education on our youth.