SOGO Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia 1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA October 2012
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Greg Allison Artistic DIRECTOR
Vol. 13 no. 1
am inviting Conductors, Music Educators, and Youth Orchestra Staff & Boards to the SECOND ANNUAL Pacific Northwest Youth Orchestra LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
El Sistema comes to Washington! If you are reading this article, you have probably per- by Anne Hammond sonally witnessed the transformative power of music education in your own life or in the life of someone near you - or both. usic opens doors. You can perform on stage with an orchestra, work with Alzheimer’s patients as The question I ask next may be one you have asked yourself - or not. a musical therapist, conduct a high school band, or What if this socially transformative experience was available to more children even…research the effect of music on the release of to any child - or family - who wants and has commited themselves to it? biochemical messengers (= math and science).
MUSIC OPENS DOORS
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Do you like math or science? Many musicians are scientists and mathematicians or use these skills in their career. Likewise, many scientists were and are musicians including… (continued on page 2)
ISSUE 1
That was the dream of Jose’ Abreu that became a reality 37 years ago with 11 students in a Caracas parking garage. The current reality - el Sistema, or The System -serves up this opportunity throughout Venezuela to more than 500,000 children and young adults. You might know el Sistema from one of the many news features over the past few years or through its poster child, the young and vibrant new conductor of the LA Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel. El Sistema is being replicated in Boston, New York, Florida, California, Britain and Scotland to name a few places.
3 Practice O Tips on how to practice 2 What Should I Play? O Reasons for picking an instrument 3 Side-By-Side O Find out how and when you can invite a friend to rehearsal
O Poinsettias - Wreaths Orderform inside
Why not here? Why not in Olympia? Funny that you ask. I visited an el Sistema inspired program in Philadelphia this past summer to find out how we could make it a reality for our community. “Play On, Philly!” (POP!), the program I visited, is based on the same principles and values of its Latino counterpart. It is transforming the life trajectory of hundreds of underprivileged youth, their families and their communities. It has proven to have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of these young musicians.
POP! Musicians
O Concert Don’t miss the BIG surprise on Sunday November 4, 4 p.m. FAQ O Tickets (WCPA) Olytix.org | 360.753.8586 Get your tickets today for the best seats and avoid the long lines.
Stanford
The 2013 Youth Symphony Leadership Summit is proud to welcome Stanford Thompson, the CEO of POP, as our keynote speaker and facilitator on Monday January 21, 2013, in Olympia. Stanford will be accompanied by a student involved in the POP! program. The morning session with Stanford will be lively, informative and inspiring for us all. Our afternoon sessions will include separate tracks for orchestra leaders including board members, conductors and executive directors.
Please mark your calendars for this important event! Monday, January 21, 2013 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Olympia, WA Doug Ford, Summit Coordinator, will have details and registration information coming soon. Please forward this to leaders in your organization and to other groups we might have missed. Thank you! 60 Minutes program on El Sistema - view it at www.studentorchestras.org
studentorchestras.org | studentorchestras@gmail.com