Connecting Communities Through Music: A Look Back at the 2025 El Sistema Residency
From April 5–7, 2025, PROJECT MUSIC and King School proudly hosted the tenth annual El Sistema Residency, bringing together talented young musicians from King’s Middle and Upper Schools along with students from 10 El Sistema USA programs across the country.
Throughout the weekend, the residency fostered meaningful connections between communities from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, using music as a powerful tool to amplify cultural identities and shared experiences. Students explored how music can express identity, elevate diverse voices, and build authentic connections beyond differences.
Collective Composition: Creativity in Action
A highlight of the residency was the Collective Composition project, led by guest artist Dan Trahey, Director of the Archipelago Project and Collective Conservatory. In this dynamic process, students collaborated to create original pieces that integrated diverse musical traditions, personal experiences, and creative ideas. Through this work, students discovered that composition is not reserved for a select few—it is an inclusive and accessible form of artistic expression open to all.
Guest Artist Spotlight: Pete Francis
We were honored to welcome Pete Francis, acclaimed singer-songwriter and founding member of Dispatch, as a featured guest artist during the residency.
Francis first rose to fame with Dispatch in the late 1990s, redefining the landscape for independent bands with grassroots success that led to sold-out performances at major venues like Madison Square Garden. As a solo artist, he released 17 albums, blending introspective lyrics with a wide range of musical styles. Beyond his success as a performer, Francis has dedicated himself to education and community work, teaching songwriting at Middlebury College and co-founding the Dragoncrest Collective, an organization that brings artists and audiences together through creative collaboration.
During the residency, Francis worked closely with students, offering a unique perspective on songwriting, creativity, and artistic identity. His workshops and conversations encouraged young musicians to see music as a living, breathing form of storytelling, inspiring them to find and share their own voices through original composition.
Featuring New Composers & Contemporary Music
The residency also highlighted the work of today’s composers, emphasizing that music is a continually evolving art form. Students had the opportunity to engage with the music of Marie Douglas, Soon Hee Newbold, and Pete Francis. Through virtual masterclasses, students gained valuable insights into the creative process and the role of contemporary music in today's cultural landscape.
A Wonderful Finale: The Community Concert
The residency culminated on Sunday, April 6, with a vibrant Community Concert at the Performing Arts Center at King School. Students took the stage to present original compositions created through the Collective Composition process, along with a diverse repertoire that celebrated cultural exchange, creativity, and community.
The concert showcased the energy, collaboration, and artistic excellence that defined the residency. Families, friends, and supporters witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music to connect, inspire, and elevate young voices.
