(2009-05-01) Sistema Youth Orchestra

A piece about Venezuela's El Sistema collection of children's orchestras. According to (Jose Abreu's) approach, musical perfection is not the first priority; instead, from the first day on, what's important is being able to play together with others. The children are integrated into orchestras from the very beginning, and the older children pass their knowledge down to the younger ones. Abreu's intention and philosophy is concealed behind this simple concept: for him an orchestra is first and foremost about togetherness, a place where children learn to listen to each other and to respect one another. The purpose of the work is the integration of the children into a united social structure, in which each individual assumes responsibility and contributes to a commonly achieved result. (Shared Mission, Educating Kids)

Pat Kane notes this shouldn't be tied to Classical Music. (Team Work, School Of Rock)