A music program that has brought joy to the lives of many children in New Brunswick….will soon be recruiting new members.
Sistema is now offered in six communities in the province, including Moncton, Saint John Miramichi and the Tobique First Nation.
Designated schools will be offering information about the program for the upcoming school year..
Chief Operating Officer for the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra Don Matheson says the music program attracts many applications from those who are eager to take part, “We do get a large number of inquiries, almost on a daily basis because of Sistema. As the word spreads and they come and see, it warms their hearts and they are absolutely amazed at what they see, and then more and more people inquire.”
Matheson says they go through a rigorous process with the teachers and schools, as well as the district to determine which students will most benefit from the program, “We have a recruitment process in the spring, when we go into the schools, publicizing and performing. The process helps to determine which students are best for the program. We’re aiming the program, primarily to children who might not otherwise have the opportunitynto take part, and those who can benefit from a program of this intensity, that they might not otherwise be able to afford.”
Students are taught to play a musical instrument, in the afterschool program, but their hard work and dedication is expected.
The Sistema program was launched in New Brunswick in Moncton in 2009, and there are now more than 700 children taking part.
