El Sistema

El Sistema Colorado uses ensemble music to transform the lives of low-income youth in the Denver metro area. We are unique in using music in a whole-child approach as a tool for school readiness, cognitive, emotional and social development, academic success and graduation, as well as positively impacting families and the surrounding neighborhoods. Low income children are typically denied the educational and developmental opportunities available through music, as their schools focus on “the basics” to raise test scores. Deprived of the joy and engagement opportunities that come from more enriching activities, at-risk youth feel less engaged in school and the achievement gap that separates them from their more privileged peers only grows.