2023-2024 Year at Glance
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Ongoing Activities.
The Sistema Canada Network continues to facilitate services that support Member Programs.
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5 New Projects Launched.
Five new projects were launched this year each designed to respond to a particular need among our Member Programs.
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Our Growing Network.
4 strategies were implemented this year to further promote relationships, opportunity, and connection within the Network and among the broader community.

Swan Serna
Kristine Betker
Adam Sakiyama
Ongoing Activities
Network Check-In Calls: Seven
Throughout the year, we have hosted seven Network Check-In calls- each lasting 60 minutes. Member Program Representatives have gathered together for a cumulative of 7 hours in this space over the year.
Deep Dive Calls: Two
Two Deep Dives with a focus on Fundraising Essentials were facilitated this year in collaboration with Kristine Betker. Session recordings are available for Member Programs in the resource library.
Works Commissioned: Two
We are thrilled to be working with composers Swan Serna and Adam Sakiyama to be bringing the 2024 Sistema Canada Network Composition Commissions to life.
Artistic Working Group
Reconciliation Working Group
Sistema Kingston students honour Mother Earth on Earth Day
5 New Projects Launched
Teaching Artist Professional Development Sessions: Five
This year, we facilitated five professional development opportunities in the fall and winter totalling 6 hours. Topics ranged from classroom management, general music strategies, and beginner string support. Over 100 Teaching Artists from across the country registered for these sessions.
Teaching Artist Mentorship Program: Fourteen pairs
We launched our new Teaching Artist Mentorship Program which formed fourteen mentorship pairs between mentees and mentors from Member Programs across the country. Each pair connected for 6 hours throughout the spring.
Working Groups Formed: Two
Our Reconciliation Working Group and our Artistic Working Group were launched this year. Each group is comprised of administrative staff and Teaching Artists from Member Programs to help provide direction to the Network in key areas.
Peer Groups Formed: One
Our first Peer Group was launched this year connecting people from programs who are embedded within orchestras.
New Funding Support Programs: Three
his year we are honoured to have supported Andres Tucci Clarke (Sistema Toronto) pursue his MBA, Teaching Artists from Sistema Kingston and Sistema Toronto with their enrolment in TATI, YONA-Sistema and OrKidstra with their programatic needs, and the advancement of reconciliation Member projects (Sistema Toronto and Sistema Kingston).
Our growing Network
Member Programs Visited by Network Lead: Eight
Chelsey Hiebert, Sistema Canada Network's Lead, traveled to visit eight of our fifteen Member Programs this year. Visiting programs is important for building community, connection, and provides opportunities for meaningful conversations.
New Membership Discounts: One
Membership in the Sistema Canada Network (SCN) comes with access to the popular Arts & Entertainment Plan, an affordable health insurance plan offered by the not-for-profit insurer AFBS. The plan is designed to help artists manage their health care costs. SCN members are guaranteed acceptance into the plan, with no medical questionnaires necessary and no refusals based on pre-existing conditions.
Partner Events Attended: Two
Sistema Canada Network's Artistic and Academic Project Lead, Alex McLeod, attended a TATI Regional Practicum in Texas in February. Chelsey Hiebert (Network Lead) and Jacquie McNulty (Network Manager) attended the El Sistema USA conference in Indianapolis in June.
New Funder: One
We are excited to have connected with the National Arts Centre: Arts Alive for their support in the Teaching Artist Mentorship Program.