El Sistema
Music Education Programs Designed
Uniquely For Our
After-School Program
Uniquely For Our
After-School Program
Music Education Programs Designed
Uniquely For Our
After-School Program
Music Education Programs Designed
Uniquely For Our
After-School Program
Uniquely For Our
After-School Program
El Sistema (Spanish for "The System") is more than a music education program—it's a pathway out of poverty for students in underserved communities.
By teaching music, we offer our students a holistic youth development experience focused on community, safety, and joy. Our approach transforms students into not only skilled musicians but also effective leaders, collaborators, and problem solvers, equipping them with critical life skills for their academic, social, and emotional well-being.
We are an organization dedicated to empowering the youth and kids of Watsonville and Pajaro Valley by providing them with the keys to unlock their musical heritage and the tools to construct their creative and social legacies through music education.Pre-Orchestra
Pre-Orchestra
Pre-Orchestra
El Sistema serves 340 students across four elementary schools—Radcliff, Hyde, Mintie White, and MacQuiddy—building teamwork and musical literacy through choral work, games, and Orff-based instruction.
Youth Orchestra
Youth Orchestra
Youth Orchestra
Three ensemble levels (beginner, junior, and advanced) each serve approximately 25 students and meet twice weekly. Older and more advanced students support younger peers through peer mentoring, section leadership, and modeling rehearsal skills.
Performances/workshop (30–40 annually)
Performances/workshop (30–40 annually)
Performances/workshop (30–40 annually)
Students perform regularly at schools and in community, national, and international venues. Highlights include collaborations with local music and folklórico dance groups; participation by students—who also presented a workshop—at the International Society for Music Education Conference in Helsinki in summer 2024; an upcoming performance and workshop by the Orchestra Honors group at the American String Teachers Association conference this February; and a joint performance by El Sistema’s Mariachi ensemble and the Pajaro Valley High School folklórico dance group at Disneyland in March.
