The Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University will present a symposium on the revolutionary El Sistema entitled, “Music Transforms,” on April 13. The symposium is open to the public and encourages the participation of educators, musicians, and community leaders. Registration is free and includes lunch.
“Music Transforms” will explore El Sistema’s innovative approaches to music education, community engagement, and social transformation. Focusing on the history, philosophy, and practice of the Venezuelan program; the symposium seeks to inspire musicians, educators, and community leaders to embrace music as a potent force for building a more prosperous future in the United States and beyond.
The featured speakers are Jamie Bernstein, internationally renowned narrator, writer, and broadcaster; Christine Witkowski, Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s YOLA at HOLA program (Gustavo Dudamel’s signature program); Stanford Thompson, CEO of Play on, Philly! and chair of the US National Alliance of El Sistema-inspired programs; and Jose Luis Hernandez-Estrada, classical conductor, author, and Executive Director/Head of Learning of El Sistema Oklahoma.
The half-day symposium at OCU is co-sponsored by El Sistema Oklahoma, a program of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in partnership with OCU.
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