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 creates equitable access to arts education by providing full scholarships and instruments to participating students. Positive youth development is our goal, music is our tool.
Kidznotes engages students in a rigorous out-of-school musical program through the Mozarts Program at select schools for grades 1-2 at the Nucleo located at Fayetteville St. Elementary School for grades 3-12. Classes include instrumental instruction, music theory, general music, and small and large ensembles.
Our classes are taught by Teaching Artists who are committed to teaching our young musicians. The overall program operates 8 hours per week and 26+ weeks a year.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Mozarts Program
Offered in partnering elementary schools, students in grades 1-2 participate in music fundamentals and violin instruction for 1.5 hours twice per week. Mozarts allows our youngest students to expand on their in-school music instruction and introduce them to playing an instrument.
The Nucleo
This is the heart of Kidznotes, where students in grades 3-12 gather for music instruction, community, and collaboration. Students are divided into four groups according to age and skill beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. All instruction takes place in group settings, including instrumental ensembles (band and orchestra), and instrument-specific group classes. Students may also participate in exciting electives such as small ensembles and group piano lessons supported by Keys for Kids. Students opportunities include access to scholarships, performances at the Nucleo and in the community, mentorship, and guest artist collaborations.
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.
