Black teenage girl with pink shirt and glasses, violin

What does it mean to be a catalyst for social change?

Kidznotes is a music for social change program based on the El Sistema model of youth orchestras, which started in Venezuela and has now spread worldwide.

Kidznotes engages students 1st through 12th grade in an intense out-of-school musical program that includes instrumental instruction, music theory, general music, orchestra, and band.

Our classes are taught by Teaching Artists who are committed to teaching young students. The overall program operates 8 hours per week and 26+ weeks a year.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Man with brown hair in bun and Kidznotes t-shirt

Program Ensembles

Our students are split into three ensembles: Mozarts (beginning level I), Vivaldis (intermediate level II) and Abreus (advanced). All instruction takes place in group settings, including instrumental ensembles (band and orchestra), and instrument-specific group classes.

Program Objectives

  • To encourage children’s participation in music training and to improve their musical performance abilities.

  • To foster the development of children’s social behavior and values which contribute to success at school and in society.

  • To support the development of children’s school readiness and academic achievement.

  • To encourage children’s positive decision-making.

  • To promote parents’ engagement in program and community activities.

Teacher assisting student with flute

Program Components

  • Instructional sessions: Classical orchestral training sessions are held for 8 hours weekly by instructors who are inspired by the El Sistema methodology and approach.

  • Informal and formal performances: Students give frequent performances in small ensembles and larger groups to become comfortable in front of audiences — and to build group solidarity. They perform informally (for each other, parents, visitors) and formally (for scheduled audiences in the community and beyond).

  • Field trips, visits by performing artists, other music-related activities: Kidznotes students and their families go on field trips to concerts (symphony, chamber music, festivals, schools) in order to foster awareness and appreciation of the larger arts community and its possibilities. In partnership with our community partners, Kidznotes students and families also have the opportunity to take part in workshops, master classes, and demonstrations by our guest performing artists.

  • Parent outreach: Kidznotes families are invited to engage in the program’s goal of building community by attending sessions and performances, accompanying children on field trips, meeting with program staff, and even volunteering in the program.

Students performing at outdoor event