About the Network
The Sistema Canada Network (SCN) is a national organization composed of Sistema inspired programs from across Canada. Although there is much diversity in the specifics of each Member Program, all programs share the same values and are committed to the overall mission of the Network. SCN currently operates under the administrative partnership of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, a registered charity.
Our Origin Story
The Network was officially launched in January 2022, although this wasn’t the beginning of Sistema in Canada, nor was it the first attempt at creating a national organization for Sistema inspired programs. But in 2020, during the initial pandemic lockdowns, Sistema programs began to connect and support one another, reigniting the drive to create a formal national organization. The timeline below shares the key milestones on the journey to creating the Sistema Canada Network.
El Sistema’s Origin Story
El Sistema is a movement that uses ensemble music making for positive social change. It began in Venezuela in 1975 by José Antonio Abreu (a musician, educator, and activist) and has inspired the development of similar programs all around the world. Canada is home to approximately 20 El Sistema inspired programs and that number is ever increasing.
Key Moments
1970
El Sistema Venezuela Beginnings - Started by Antonio Abreu
2007
Sistema Programs in Canada Launch
First Attempt to Connect Sistema in Canada, funded by The McConnell Foundation
2012-
2013
2020
National Program Conversation Re-Ignite, Research phase funded by The Azrieli Foundation begins
2021
Design Phase
2022
Launch Phase, supported by Azrieli and Eisenberg
2022
Network Lead Hired
2023
New programs and activities launch, development of Strategic Plan
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
The Sistema Canada Network acknowledges the historic and ongoing colonial violence across Turtle Island. We support the 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and commit to furthering reconciliation efforts in our own work and the work of our Member Programs.
We acknowledge that education and music have been used as tools of systemic oppression and commit to promoting practices that support decolonization and healing. As our commitment to reconciliation, we pledge to take the following actions and to revisit them annually.
In 2023/2024 we commit to:
Create a Reconciliation Working Group that will further these commitments
Develop teaching materials that centre Indigenous experiences and perspectives
Host professional development for Member Programs focused on reconciliation led by an Indigenous community member
Make funding available to assist Member Programs in their reconciliation work
Develop a Reconciliation Resources folder in the Resource Library
Member Programs
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Edmonton Symphony Orchestra / Winspear Centre
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Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
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Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
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Sistema Huronia Music Academy
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OrKidstra
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New Brunswick Youth Orchestra Inc
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Sistema Toronto
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Kawartha Youth Orchestra
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Calgary Multicultural Orchestra
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Bakerview Music Academy
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Iqaluit Music SOCIETY
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Queen's University
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Sounds of the Next Generation (SONG)
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Sistema Walkerton
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Quintissimo
Network Team
Office Hours: M-Th 9:00-5:00, F 9:00-1:00 Central
Chelsey Hiebert
Network Lead
Alex McLeod
Artistic & Academic Project Lead
Office Hours: W 9:00-3:00 Eastern
Office Hours: M-F 8:00-9:00am Mountain
