WINNIPEG — The chance to play an instrument is a wonderful opportunity for a child, but it can come with a hefty price. The cost of instruments, teachers and the space to practice adds up.
Forty years ago, the El Sistema music program started in Venezuela. It has since spread across the world, including Winnipeg’s north end. The program offers music lessons for kids every day after school for three hours.
“Not many people around here can afford to have instrument lessons,” said Serenity Isfeld, a grade four student who participates. “I look forward to getting through the day to come to Sistema.”
Isfeld plays the violin but also enjoys choir and wants to learn piano.
Around 100 students participate in Winnipeg. There are two middle schools that are currently offering it.
“There’s always new friends to make,” said Leo Blyth, a grade 4 participant. Blyth believes more children should have the chance to learn music.
“If they had this program, they could be a composer, or be in the WSO,” said Blyth.
Every year registration grows and the children continue to improve their skills.
“As a teacher it’s really rewarding to work with kids who want to be here, and to feel like you’re creating some change with what you do,” said Kari Chastko with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
Chastko said some of the younger students start and can barely keep a beat let alone read music, and by the end of the year they are performing full pieces.
“Kids in this area need somewhere to come and need somewhere where their self esteem is being built, and their life skills are being built. So it’s not just about music, it’s about other skills they learn as part of learning music.”
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