This year UNIVERSO will provide after-school arts programming in all 5 elementary schools in East Chicago for 2015-16, thanks to a collaborative grant from Foundations of East Chicago. UNIVERSO after-school enrichment uses EL Sistema* fundamentals. Students participate in art, music, spoken word, and dance. And selected schools take advantage of the Orchestra program. This year’s program theme is dedicated to legendary composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
“El Sistema is… a set of inspiring ideals, which form an intensive youth music program which seeks to effect social change through the ambitious pursuit of musical excellence. El Sistema focuses primarily on children with the fewest resources and greatest need.”
In addition, students have the opportunity to interact with adult mentors. The pupils experience small group instruction and support. The environment is pleasant and focused. Parents will also have the opportunity to participate as audience members and as survey participants. And as El Sistema influences their children, their lives will be transformed as well. The Foundations of East Chicago believe in generational change.
