El Sistema: Changing Lives Through Music

Bob Simon On Venezuela's Groundbreaking Musical Education Program

(CBS)  This segment was originally broadcast on April 13, 2008. It was updated on July 16, 2008.

What comes to mind when you mention Venezuela? Hugo Chavez probably, or oil, or baseball? What probably does not come to mind is classical music.

And yet, Venezuela is the home of a music program that’s so extraordinary it has been hailed as the future of classical music itself.

As correspondent Bob Simon first reported in April, it's called "el Sistema" - "the system" - and it’s all about children, about saving them - hundreds of thousands of children - through music.

---

In the world of classical music, the Simon Bolivar National Youth Orchestra is unique. The musicians, kids mainly, are not graduates of some conservatory or music school - they're alumni of the school of hard knocks in the slums of Venezuela. And their orchestra is about the exuberance of youth.

It recently made its Carnegie Hall debut with Gustavo Dudamel, its celebrated young conductor.

Carnegie Hall was the last stop on the orchestra's first American tour, and a long way from its home in Venezuela. Many of the kids come from neighborhoods which are so poor, desperate and crime-ridden, that hope is often extinguished in children at an early age.

Instead, these kids travel the world, playing to sell-out audiences. The National Youth Orchestra and hundreds of others are the brainchild of Dr. José Antonio Abreu.

Asked if he remembers the night he first started, Dr. Abreu, told Simon through a translator, "We only had 11 children - rehearsing in cramped conditions. But I had the feeling that this was the beginning of something very big."

Abreu, a 69-year-old retired economist, trained musician, and social reformer founded "the system" in 1975 and has built it with religious zeal, based on his unorthodox belief that what poor Venezuelan kids needed was classical music.

"Essentially this is a social system that fights poverty," Abreu explained. "A child's physical poverty is overcome by the spiritual richness that music provides."

"So, music actually becomes the vehicle for social change?" Simon asked.

"Without a doubt," Abreu replied. "And that is what's happening in Venezuela."

Every afternoon, small children line up for free music lessons at their local branch of "the system."

Raphael Elster runs one of the branches. He told Simon children join the music program as young as two years old.

Two-year-olds start learning the basics, like rhythm, and the language of music. By the time they’re four, they're being taught how to play an instrument. By the time they're six or seven-year-old veterans, they're playing in orchestras.

"A regular kid who will play in two or three years, we make it happen in three, four months," Elster told Simon.

Asked how that's done, he said, "We work hard. And they love it."

[ufmurphy-2009]

Is there an English version of a web site for El Sistema? I''d love to contribute a donation to help further this great endeavor.

[daina520]

Yes! For those of you passionate to bring El Sistema to the world, please join the Causes page (http://apps.facebook.com/causes/290357), give & help spread awareness for this incredible initiative.

[krisprather]

I would also like to donate but can''t find a link on the 60 Minutes site. Do I donate at www.venezuelanalysis.com? Thanks! ~Kristen

[daina520]

You can donate here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[catchevance]

I would also like to contribute to a wearthy cause, can you please tell us where to donate?

[daina520]

You can donate here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[jmborders3]

This was nothing short of spiritual. I pastor a Baptist church in a very tough area of Boston Massachusetts. I know what it is like to hear gunfire and police sirens on a minute,by minute basis. The sound of music instead of screaming and violence is the sound of heaven and redemption. There are gifts in every human being. Tap into those gifts and you will change the nation. Thank you Abreu. Thank you 60 Minutes. Thank you Lord.

[cnorris1060]

I''d love to know more how to donate to El Sistema. Please advise.

[daina520]

You can donate here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[dposlosky]

i would also like to help these kids purchase instruments. how can one go about doing so?
[e-mail]

[daina520]

You can donate here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[dizifrench]

Ditto the other entries. I have a flute in very good shape which I would like to donate to these kids. Is that possible? How would I go about it.

[jeo2807]

While Hugo Chavez and the US have faced off on many issues, here is an opportunity for agreement. Forty million dollars is hardly a drop in the bucket but would fund half o the progam for a year. In addition, this program is portable. It would need dedicated musicians to teach and administer the program, but if it kept one ghetto or bario child off the streets and on to a successful and productive life it would be worth the cost and effort. We know we haven''t found the "magic" formula, but this program shows every sign of having a tremendous impact on the poverty that enslaves so many of our children. It deserves a try in a country that gave us no child left behind, one of the worst pieces of educational legislation. Imagine our government sponsering a program that might actually make a POSITIVE difference

[mbfultz1]

I''m also very interested in contributing to the Venezuela National Youth Orchestra.Can Raphael Elster except direct donations to distribute?
Sincerely,

[daina520]

You can donate here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[elizabethg4]

BRAVEO 60 MINUTES FOR THIS SHOW AS ALWAYS BUT TONIGHT ESPECIALLY EL SISTEMA. IT IS THE MOST UPLIFTING, BEAUTIFUL, HOPEFUL AND HAPPY SEGEMENT I HAVE SEEN IN AGES. PLEASE DO KEEP US INFORMED OF MORE ABOUT THEM WHEN YOU DO IT. AS A CLASSICAL MUSIC LOVER IT JUST MADE MY HEAR HAPPY TO SEE THEIR FACES AND TO LISTEN TO THE BEAUTY THEY TURNED OUT. E. GENGO

[tcullenhill]

I am an American citizen who lived and taught in Caracas, Venezuela for 4 years and while I attended many performances at the National theater in Caracas and knew some people in the music world, I had no idea of this program until I viewed it this evening.
I too would love to donate and collect instruments for the students. However, shipping to Venezuela is nearly impossible and while I lived there, unless I brought it with me on the plane, I never had anything shipped. The possibility of theft was so great that it wasn''t worth the risk. Even the school where I worked could never safely receive shipments from the USA. There may be ways through the Embassy or consulate or possibly through a carrier like Federal Express. Ideas CBS?

[tcullenhill]

I am an American citizen who lived and taught in Caracas, Venezuela for 4 years and while I attended many performances at the National theater in Caracas and knew some people in the music world, I had no idea of this program until I viewed it this evening.
I too would love to donate and collect instruments for the students. However, shipping to Venezuela is nearly impossible and while I lived there, unless I brought it with me on the plane, I never had anything shipped. The possibility of theft was so great that it wasn''t worth the risk. Even the school where I worked could never safely receive shipments from the USA. There may be ways through the Embassy or consulate or possibly through a carrier like Federal Express. Ideas CBS?

[anawah-2009]

Terrific reporting, uplifting news. We need the same program here in the US. Where do we begin.

[daina520]

We have! Check it out You can here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[anawah-2009]

Terrific reporting, uplifting news. We need the same program here in the US. Where do we begin? I am a public school teacher in a low-income school.

[anawah-2009]

Terrific reporting, uplifting news. We need the same program here in the US. Where do we begin? I am a public school teacher in a low-income school.

[anawah-2009]

Terrific reporting, uplifting news. We need the same program here in the US. Where do we begin? I am a public school teacher in a low-income school.

[caromia333]

I think they should produce a CD with Venezuela
Orchestra - their version of Berstein''s WEST SIDE STORY is phenomenal! Where can I buy it and support the cause that way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sjjardine]

This is a very worthy cause. Nothing inspires a person''s life like music. Where can a person make a private donation to these kids?

[daina520]

You can donate and become more involved here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[theatregirl5]

Wow! Totally fantastic & uplifting! I am a counselor, singer & actress who works with all kinds of kids through music & theater & would love to meet these amazing people & help create more of these Venezuelan musical projects here in New Mexico!

I would love to connect with the amazing Dr. Abreu & Gustavo the Great! Yo hablo espanol tambien & yo trabajo con muchos ninos de familias quien no tienen dinero,y tambien ellos tienen muchas problemas en sus casas, i.e., bebiendo, violencia, enojo, tristeza,y problemas con drogas pero ellos tienen talento, vision, esperanza, pasion, suenos y necessitan a tocar y cantar y tener mas inspiracion!

I just finished directing our annual talent show with 64 kids 5-19 years old who sang, danced, & played all kinds of music for enthusiastic audiences and it was so fantastic to help all of them realize their dreams on stage & grow as performing artists!
Por favor, email me!I would love to be in touch with these remarkable leaders who know how to change the world through music one child at a time!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! I wish you only the best!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INSPIRING ME TONIGHT!

[theatregirl5]

Wow! Totally fantastic & uplifting! I am a counselor, singer & actress who works with all kinds of kids through music & theater & would love to meet these amazing people & help create more of these Venezuelan musical projects here in New Mexico!

I would love to connect with the amazing Dr. Abreu & Gustavo the Great! Yo hablo espanol tambien & yo trabajo con muchos ninos de familias quien no tienen dinero,y tambien ellos tienen muchas problemas en sus casas, i.e., bebiendo, violencia, enojo, tristeza,y problemas con drogas pero ellos tienen talento, vision, esperanza, pasion, suenos y necessitan a tocar y cantar y tener mas inspiracion!

I just finished directing our annual talent show with 64 kids 5-19 years old who sang, danced, & played all kinds of music for enthusiastic audiences and it was so fantastic to help all of them realize their dreams on stage & grow as performing artists!
Por favor, email me!I would love to be in touch with these remarkable leaders who know how to change the world through music one child at a time!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! I wish you only the best!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INSPIRING ME TONIGHT!

[theatregirl5]

Wow! Totally fantastic & uplifting! I am a counselor, singer & actress who works with all kinds of kids through music & theater & would love to meet these amazing people & help create more of these Venezuelan musical projects here in New Mexico!

I would love to connect with the amazing Dr. Abreu & Gustavo the Great! Yo hablo espanol tambien & yo trabajo con muchos ninos de familias quien no tienen dinero,y tambien ellos tienen muchas problemas en sus casas, i.e., bebiendo, violencia, enojo, tristeza,y problemas con drogas pero ellos tienen talento, vision, esperanza, pasion, suenos y necessitan a tocar y cantar y tener mas inspiracion!

I just finished directing our annual talent show with 64 kids 5-19 years old who sang, danced, & played all kinds of music for enthusiastic audiences and it was so fantastic to help all of them realize their dreams on stage & grow as performing artists!
Por favor, email me!I would love to be in touch with these remarkable leaders who know how to change the world through music one child at a time!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! I wish you only the best!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INSPIRING ME TONIGHT!

[theatregirl5]

Wow! Totally fantastic & uplifting! I am a counselor, singer & actress who works with all kinds of kids through music & theater & would love to meet these amazing people & help create more of these Venezuelan musical projects here in New Mexico!

I would love to connect with the amazing Dr. Abreu & Gustavo the Great! Yo hablo espanol tambien & yo trabajo con muchos ninos de familias quien no tienen dinero,y tambien ellos tienen muchas problemas en sus casas, i.e., bebiendo, violencia, enojo, tristeza,y problemas con drogas pero ellos tienen talento, vision, esperanza, pasion, suenos y necessitan a tocar y cantar y tener mas inspiracion!

I just finished directing our annual talent show with 64 kids 5-19 years old who sang, danced, & played all kinds of music for enthusiastic audiences and it was so fantastic to help all of them realize their dreams on stage & grow as performing artists!
Por favor, email me!I would love to be in touch with these remarkable leaders who know how to change the world through music one child at a time!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! I wish you only the best!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INSPIRING ME TONIGHT!

[theatregirl5]

Wow! Totally fantastic & uplifting! I am a counselor, singer & actress who works with all kinds of kids through music & theater & would love to meet these amazing people & help create more of these Venezuelan musical projects here in New Mexico!

I would love to connect with the amazing Dr. Abreu & Gustavo the Great! Yo hablo espanol tambien & yo trabajo con muchos ninos de familias quien no tienen dinero,y tambien ellos tienen muchas problemas en sus casas, i.e., bebiendo, violencia, enojo, tristeza,y problemas con drogas pero ellos tienen talento, vision, esperanza, pasion, suenos y necessitan a tocar y cantar y tener mas inspiracion!

I just finished directing our annual talent show with 64 kids 5-19 years old who sang, danced, & played all kinds of music for enthusiastic audiences and it was so fantastic to help all of them realize their dreams on stage & grow as performing artists!
Por favor, email me!I would love to be in touch with these remarkable leaders who know how to change the world through music one child at a time!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! I wish you only the best!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INSPIRING ME TONIGHT!

[theatregirl5]

Wow! Totally fantastic & uplifting! I am a counselor, singer & actress who works with all kinds of kids through music & theater & would love to meet these amazing people & help create more of these Venezuelan musical projects here in New Mexico!

I would love to connect with the amazing Dr. Abreu & Gustavo the Great! Yo hablo espanol tambien & yo trabajo con muchos ninos de familias quien no tienen dinero,y tambien ellos tienen muchas problemas en sus casas, i.e., bebiendo, violencia, enojo, tristeza,y problemas con drogas pero ellos tienen talento, vision, esperanza, pasion, suenos y necessitan a tocar y cantar y tener mas inspiracion!

I just finished directing our annual talent show with 64 kids 5-19 years old who sang, danced, & played all kinds of music for enthusiastic audiences and it was so fantastic to help all of them realize their dreams on stage & grow as performing artists!
Por favor, email me!I would love to be in touch with these remarkable leaders who know how to change the world through music one child at a time!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! I wish you only the best!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INSPIRING ME TONIGHT!

[musichet]

The program on El Sistema was revelatory.

I am a teacher, a writer, and a dramatist, I have long held the belief that to introduce the arts, let''s be clear - classical music leading the way to classical literature and classical visual arts - to children very young, two, three years of age, is a solution to what is so desperately troubling U.S. Education. Not just allowing back into the curriculum Humanities, but redefining what they are as the very heart and core of education! Yes! El Sistema! 300,000 kids filling Venezeula with music and hope! Let''s do it here. It could change the entire dynamic of a sorely troubled, thumping-with- the-primitive-beat-of-destruction society...

[theatregirl5]

Wow! Totally fantastic & uplifting! I am a counselor, singer & actress who works with all kinds of kids through music & theater & would love to meet these amazing people & help create more of these Venezuelan musical projects here in New Mexico!

I would love to connect with the amazing Dr. Abreu & Gustavo the Great! Yo hablo espanol tambien & yo trabajo con muchos ninos de familias quien no tienen dinero,y tambien ellos tienen muchas problemas en sus casas, i.e., bebiendo, violencia, enojo, tristeza,y problemas con drogas pero ellos tienen talento, vision, esperanza, pasion, suenos y necessitan a tocar y cantar y tener mas inspiracion!

I just finished directing our annual talent show with 64 kids 5-19 years old who sang, danced, & played all kinds of music for enthusiastic audiences and it was so fantastic to help all of them realize their dreams on stage & grow as performing artists!
Por favor, email me!I would love to be in touch with these remarkable leaders who know how to change the world through music one child at a time!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! I wish you only the best!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INSPIRING ME TONIGHT!

[theatregirl5]

Wow! Totally fantastic & uplifting! I am a counselor, singer & actress who works with all kinds of kids through music & theater & would love to meet these amazing people & help create more of these Venezuelan musical projects here in New Mexico!

I would love to connect with the amazing Dr. Abreu & Gustavo the Great! Yo hablo espanol tambien & yo trabajo con muchos ninos de familias quien no tienen dinero,y tambien ellos tienen muchas problemas en sus casas, i.e., bebiendo, violencia, enojo, tristeza,y problemas con drogas pero ellos tienen talento, vision, esperanza, pasion, suenos y necessitan a tocar y cantar y tener mas inspiracion!

I just finished directing our annual talent show with 64 kids 5-19 years old who sang, danced, & played all kinds of music for enthusiastic audiences and it was so fantastic to help all of them realize their dreams on stage & grow as performing artists!
Por favor, email me!I would love to be in touch with these remarkable leaders who know how to change the world through music one child at a time!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! I wish you only the best!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INSPIRING ME TONIGHT!

[theatregirl5]

Wow! Totally fantastic & uplifting! I am a counselor, singer & actress who teaches & directs & just finished a talent show here with 64 kids ages 5-19! I would love to meet these amazing people & help create more of these Venezuelan musical projects here in New Mexico! Yo trabajo con muchos ninos de familias quien no tienen dinero,y tambien ellos tienen muchas problemas en sus casas, i.e., bebiendo, violencia, enojo, tristeza,y problemas con drogas pero ellos tienen talento, vision, esperanza, pasion, suenos y necessitan a tocar y cantar y tener mas inspiracion!

Por favor, email me!I would love to be in touch with these remarkable leaders who know how to change the world through music one child at a time & create maybe a beautiful cultural exchange program between our 2 parts of the world!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! I wish you only the best!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INSPIRING ME TONIGHT!

[theatregirl5]

Wow! Totally fantastic & uplifting! I am a counselor, singer & actress who teaches & directs & just finished a talent show here with 64 kids ages 5-19! I would love to meet these amazing people & help create more of these Venezuelan musical projects here in New Mexico! Yo trabajo con muchos ninos de familias quien no tienen dinero,y tambien ellos tienen muchas problemas en sus casas, i.e., bebiendo, violencia, enojo, tristeza,y problemas con drogas pero ellos tienen talento, vision, esperanza, pasion, suenos y necessitan a tocar y cantar y tener mas inspiracion!

Por favor, email me!I would love to be in touch with these remarkable leaders who know how to change the world through music one child at a time & create maybe a beautiful cultural exchange program between our 2 parts of the world!
PLEASE EMAIL ME! I wish you only the best!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INSPIRING ME TONIGHT!
Sinceramente,
Cindy

[oljonb]

Would someone please explain to me what has happened to our Unites States that the top educators cannot understand the importance and value of emphasizing the arts or our legislators to provide adequate funding? Time after time studies such as this segment illustrates have demonstrated the value of a music education. We are so obsessed with sports we seem to be unable to understand music also provides our children and youth with a sense of discipline, accomplishment and pride. Not every kid is able or wants to play sports. Many musicians are still playing well into their 90''s, know any athletes who can still perform at that age? And when was the last time you heard of a fight breaking out at a symphony concert?
I''m sorry to say I believe the United States no longer has a lot going for it: We don''t seem to know how to feed ourselves properly, control our anger, manage our finances, or educate our youth. For the future of children growing up today can''t we at least teach them Chinese so they have a chance to survive in the future?

[scrollworks]

We have begun a program somewhat modeled after El Sistema here in Birmingham, AL. In February, we started teaching free music lessons at a local rock club that donated space and after school at Hill Elementary (70+ children!). Recently we began free lessons at the AL Jazz Hall of Fame. I cashed in all my savings to get us started. My partner has donated all his instruments. The results are so wonderful--bringing together people across music genre, zip code, generation, race. Read about it here:
http://metroyo.blogspot.com/ and here:
http://jeane-metroyo.blogspot.com/
As we await our 501(c)3 determination, we are struggling to find enough instruments and funds to pay our dedicated teachers at least for gas. But the program has proved to be so obviously a way to improve our community that we are determined to do whatever it takes to continue.

[pollroller1]

That story brought tears to this old man''s eyes.

[usbrit-2009]

Gustavo Dudamel, the young conductor mentioned in this story was recently hired as music director by the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra. I wonder if he has any plans to start similarly inspired programs in Los Angeles. The area could certainly use some good influences on its'' kids.

[rjs1955]

The people who should have been listening and watching just weren''t. How many governors of states, presidents of our country, senators, congressmen, state senators and representatives... how many city councilmen, school board members, etc. throughout the country, were watching? Most of them went to the potty or the ''fridge to get something when a story about classical music came on, or they weren''t even watching CBS at the time, but some stupid show like "American Idol" or "Dancing with the Stars" or reruns of basketball playoffs or some other worthless KR@P.... El Sistema is alive and well at my house. My wife and I are both college music professors, and my two children study violin... and my son''s violin teacher is a PRODUCT OF EL SISTEMA and an exquisite violinist in a local professional orchestra. VIVA EL SISTEMA!!!!!!!!!

[doughco]

I''m glad to see that I''m not the only old man who wound up crying while watching this piece.

My first exposure to classical music was when I was 23 years old at a small junior college in northeast Colorado and it effected my life in a positive way; who knows what might have happened if I''d been turned on by it in grade school?

My prayers go to those kids and adults in Venezuela in the El Sistema; may it continue and grow--especially to other places it''s needed...like the good ol'' USA!

[inicfa]

BRAVO! Dr.Abreu''s intuition is heavenly inspired. The Inner Center of Fine Arts Institute applauds his "el Sistema''s" global outreach through Classical Music. Truly, all of humanity would benefit from this approach to life.Gracia, "IC"Fine Arts Institute,Trinidad, CA

[pmnewtown1]

I too would like to know how to help them whether it be financially or through donations.

[daina520]

You can donate and become more involved here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[zoey_player]

This piece touched me down to my bones! I am crying. I got to see the trailer Sunday night, but of course this is when everyone decided to go out and eat (we''d been watching the Masters) So I knew it would probably be on line and I just finish viewing it. Of course! Classical music changed me years ago and I look around and I am the only one in my surroundings who feels as I do about it. But I am also the only whose had the opportunity to have this when I was younger thanks to my Mom and Dad. We listened to the Sunday evening classics on the radio (ie the Bell Telephone Hour; the First Piano Quartet) and after buying us ice cream cones we would drive around town eating ice cream and listening to Band of America on the radio. By the time my siblings were born, things like this were already gone. When I saw the Bell Telephone orchestra in a movie short, it changed my life; it was the first time I ever saw a performing orchestra, though I had heard them for years. I am ashamed that I have been surpressing this love and joy--just keeping it to my self--because I thought it was an elitist feeling in me. Oh my gosh! It wasn''t! It is supposed to change us! This has been the most wonderful thing I have seen--I hope I can be true to what I have just seen to see what I can do with the rest of my life. My gosh, my gosh, my gosh!

[halweller]

I first became aware of "El Sistema" 8 years ago when I saw Ed Bradley''s feature about it on "60 Minutes". Since then I have closed out a 45 year career as a symphony conductor, and have formed the Foundation to Assist Young Musicians. Through the efforts of many, we hope to plant "Il Sistema" in the United States. For more information see: http://www.myspace.com/halweller.

Bravo Dudamel! Bravissimo Abreu!!

[standingfox]

The music that is being cultivated in Venezuela is truly wonderful. What a medium to bring such riches to the public. I would like to support this effort. How can this be done. Perhaps DVD''s and CD''s or a mechanism to contribute to a fund. Such wonder and goodness deserves to be supported

[daina520]

You can donate and become more involved here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[rbull11]

I, too, would like to donate something to support El Sistema.

Come on, CBS!
Please find or provide a means for the many viewers who want to respond to such an obvious need. There should be a Web site, or at least an address, where financial support can be sent.

It would be nice to see someone organize a clearinghouse function for donations of instruments, etc. to support the Venezuelan youth programs.

Finally, someone should help to publicize the efforts like those of several posters who are instituting similar programs here. Is there some way to obtain El Sistema''s curriculum, teacher notes, and the like to assist those trying to implement a similar program in the U.S.?

CBS, please take the lead and at least point people to the proper resources.

An old sometime musician.

[daina520]

You can donate and become more involved here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[rbull11]

I, too, would like to donate something to support El Sistema.

Come on, CBS!
Please find or provide a means for the many viewers who want to respond to such an obvious need. There should be a Web site, or at least an address, where financial support can be sent.

It would be nice to see someone organize a clearinghouse function for donations of instruments, etc. to support the Venezuelan youth programs.

Finally, someone should help to publicize the efforts like those of several posters who are instituting similar programs here. Is there some way to obtain El Sistema''s curriculum, teacher notes, and the like to assist those trying to implement a similar program in the U.S.?

CBS, please take the lead and at least point people to the proper resources.

An old sometime musician.

[theatregirl5]

Hello again! I wrote the other day! This story brought tears to my eyes & joy to my heart! I apologize that my entry was posted several times. When I pressed the publish button it kept saying to wait & indicated I could press it later so this led to mass postings! Please CBS, do right by "El Sistema" & your viewers, like me who has been watching your show since my dear, departed Dad; classical music aficionado turned me on to your program over 25 years ago!. Have the heart to let us know the website and addresses where we may write the fabulous Dr. Abreu & his counterparts to connect, donate, share & begin our own programs here with all the children who desperately need our help. Gracias!
Cindy

[daina520]

You can donate and become more involved here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[s1212121212]

This story brought tears to my eyes, what a wonderful thing "El sistema" has achieved!
I can''t say that I am surprised, as I have myself dedicated my life to music and know that Music can be Magical! The connection that is made between the mind, body and spirit can only yield these positive results.
www.SynergyPerformingArtsAcademy.ca would like to donate instruments to "El sistema". Helping change the world one lesson at a time! Kindly let us know how we may contact them. Thank you for bringing this story to us! Sonia Isidro, Director of Synergy Performing Arts Academy, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Que Dios los bendiga!

[daina520]

You can donate and become more involved here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[codd3]

Come on! CBS look alive. We would love to donate to this organization and you don''t provide the proper information. This wonderful organization is losing donations from your faithful viewers. Make it happen.

[daina520]

You can donate and become more involved here: http://elsistemausa.org/support-a-fellow or here: www.causes.com/music4kids

[raexelster]

Hi to every one and thank you so much for your interes and support. if you are interest in helping us you can send your letter to www.fesnojiv.org
Rafael Elster

[chgoillini]

At the end of the story, Bob Simon asks one of the organizers of this incredible music program "Do you think this would work in the US?" This idea, while not on the scale as the Venezuelan El Sistema program, is one that Father Bruce Wellems uses with young parishioners in his parish, Holy Cross, in Chicago''s Back of the Yards neighborhood. He replaces weapons with musical instruments, enlisting young parishioners successfully in a marimba band.

[dcaldwe11]

I have a couple of used violins which I would gladly donate to the young musicians of this Venezualan symphony. Will anyone e-mail me additional information about what to do next? [e-mail] thank-you

[debbpett]

I just watched the repeat and update of this story tonight.I was not only moved and uplifted by this story but encouraged as well.My daughter, Jeanne, was our "free spirit" and loved to reach her pre-school students through her art and music.She was a talented artist as well as a self-taught pianist and guitarist.Many of the children with whom she worked suffered with learning challenges, and many were diagnosed with autism.Through her love for the Arts, she was able to connect with these children on levels that I had never seen before.In October of 2006, Jeanne dove into the Pacific ocean to try to save the life of a four-year-old child who had been swept into the surf by a "rogue" wave.She lost her life in the process.Her 21 years with us was not nearly long enough, and now we have chosen to honor her life by starting the Miss Jeanne''s House Bookshoppe and Foundation in Elk Grove, CA.Our mission is to introduce and instruct all 33,000+ elementary-aged school children in our school district to all aspects of the Arts through volunteers/mentors in the classrooms and after-school programs.One-third of our schools are designated Title 1, so funding for anything "extra" is out of the question. Like "el sistema", we too rely on monetary and in-kind donations to operate.Maybe if enough of us band together across this great nation, our grassroots efforts will pay off for our children.When I saw this story, it gave me great hope that our mission can indeed be accomplished.Bravo El Sistema!

[debbpett]

I just watched the repeat and update of this story tonight.I was not only moved and uplifted by this story but encouraged as well.My daughter, Jeanne, was our "free spirit" and loved to reach her pre-school students through her art and music.She was a talented artist as well as a self-taught pianist and guitarist.Many of the children with whom she worked suffered with learning challenges, and many were diagnosed with autism.Through her love for the Arts, she was able to connect with these children on levels that I had never seen before.In October of 2006, Jeanne dove into the Pacific ocean to try to save the life of a four-year-old child who had been swept into the surf by a "rogue" wave.She lost her life in the process.Her 21 years with us was not nearly long enough, and now we have chosen to honor her life by starting the Miss Jeanne''s House Bookshoppe and Foundation in Elk Grove, CA.Our mission is to introduce and instruct all 33,000+ elementary-aged school children in our school district to all aspects of the Arts through volunteers/mentors in the classrooms and after-school programs.One-third of our schools are designated Title 1, so funding for anything "extra" is out of the question. Like "el sistema", we too rely on monetary and in-kind donations to operate.Maybe if enough of us band together across this great nation, our grassroots efforts will pay off for our children.When I saw this story, it gave me great hope that our mission can indeed be accomplished.Bravo El Sistema!