“It’s a set of values. It’s about universal access. It’s about trying to level the playing field for those who are getting a great music education and those who aren’t,” says Clark Bryan, Founder and Director of El Sistema Aeolian.
“El Sistema is a free after-school music program that started in Venezuela in 1975, and it is an opportunity for kids to get access to an amazing education program that’s centred on the orchestra, the choir, and group experiences and group expressions,” says Bryan.
El Sistema has millions of participants across more than 80 countries and the program is starting to grow throughout Canada. There are several programs in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
London’s program was launched by Bryan through the Aeolian Hall Musical Arts Association in November 2011.
“I just decided to launch it and see what would happen and got a group of volunteers together. We borrowed instruments, everybody donated their time, and lo and behold we started with 19 students in 2011 and we now have close to 150,” says Bryan.
The students meet three times a week after school at First-St. Andrews United Church in downtown London. They have access to a variety of string instruments, wind instruments, brass instruments, percussion, and vocal lessons.
“I think what makes El Sistema special is that it’s connected to one of the big music Halls here in London. They get the opportunity to interact with a lot of the big musical acts that come through and they often do collaborations with our students,” says Jeffrey Komar, who has been teaching violin, viola, and choir with El Sistema since 2016.
“I’m very passionate about string teaching and music and it’s moving for me to work with these young people who share that passion and who are interested in pursuing these sorts of creative activities… I hope that I instill some of my love of the craft and music on them,” says Komar.
El Sistema has over 40 volunteers that have continued to help the program grow and thrive.
“They are the lifeblood of everything we do. Some of them have been with us for 15 or 20 years, right from the very beginning. We’re very fortunate and they truly understand the necessity of this. Some of our volunteers didn’t get the chance themselves to have an Arts education,” says Bryan.
He also says that it’s important to continue to spread the word in the community and let everyone know that programs like El Sistema exist.
“Spread the news that this opportunity is here. Come out, volunteer if you can. You don’t have to be a musician to volunteer, you can get into the kitchen and help prepare food. You can go into the classrooms and help the teacher with kids coming and going and encouraging them.”
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