Professional Development Opportunity (Only 15 spots available!)

Join us for the 9th Annual El Sistema Residency, hosted at the King School, in partnership with Project Music!

In addition to the youth musicians from both the King School & Project Music, we welcome 6 other youth development programs from New York (ROC Music Collective), New Jersey (Paterson Music Project), Massachusetts (Boston Music Project), and Maryland (Orchkids & TunedIn).

This year, we will feature the music of composer and conductor Giovanni Santos. Our musical guest is world-champion beatboxer Kaila Mullady. This annual event is built around the idea of Collective & Creative Composition, where young people's voices are central in the musical decision making to collectively compose a new piece. The world premiere of this piece will be featured at the finale concert on Sunday, April 7, 4:30pm.

Professional Development Opportunity (Only 15 spots available!)

For educators who want to learn more about the process of Collective Composition, we invite you to join us throughout the weekend. The cost for participation is $50 and includes lunch each day.

Collective Composition is not just a method; it's a transformative approach to music education that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and community. It's about turning a group of individual musicians into a cohesive creative force capable of producing an original piece of music that reflects their collective voice and vision. Whether it's a melody, a beat, or a lyric, Collective Composition allows every participant to contribute, ensuring that every voice is valued and every idea has the potential to inspire.

Why Should You Embrace Collective Composition in Your Teaching?

Foster a Sense of Belonging: Collective Composition creates an inclusive environment where the goal is that every student feels valued, contributing to a stronger, more connected musical community.
Promote Diversity: By de-centering traditional, Euro-centric music practices, Collective Composition encourages the exploration and incorporation of diverse musical styles and narratives, enriching the educational experience for both students and educators.
Enhance Reciprocal Learning: In Collective Composition, learning is a two-way street. Educators and students alike share knowledge, perspectives, and inspiration, fostering a dynamic educational environment.
Boost Creative Engagement: Collective Composition actively involves students in the creative process, from conception to performance, enhancing their engagement and investment in their musical education.