LA Phil, Longy School of Music and Bard College Announce 'Take a Stand' Program

The Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil), the Longy School of Music (Cambridge, MA) and Bard College (New York) today announced TAKE A STAND, a partnership which supports social change through music, provides a national platform for pioneering educators, and advances work in music education within the United States, inspired by Venezuela's El Sistema. This initiative seeks to support the development of unique adaptations of the Venezuelan system in the U.S. The new bi-coastal alliance leverages the synergies of the LA Phil's robust existing program YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), Bard College's experience in developing renowned academic and socially based training programs, and Longy's role as a leader in progressive and rigorous training for performing and teaching musicians.

Based on the El Sistema model, TAKE A STAND seeks to unite music programs throughout the U.S., providing leaders with tools for growth through a series of conferences and workshops, and creating a pipeline of music teachers to be trained via the launch of a new Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Music degree program (accredited through Bard), all based in Los Angeles. Dr. José Antonio Abreu has agreed to be Honorary Advisor to TAKE A STAND.

"TAKE A STAND literally takes a stand for music and its power to effect change in children and their communities," said Deborah Borda, President and CEO of the LA Phil. "This unique partnership of institutions brings together the resources and skills of a symphony orchestra, a college and a conservatory, all aligned by shared values of innovation, music and social responsibility. We believe this national alliance will inspire and lead change in music education, addressing both a public and musical imperative that is cried out for today. We are partnering to invest in the mission of music as a fundamental and essential human right."

Gustavo Dudamel, himself nurtured by El Sistema, said, "In order for programs like YOLA to develop and flourish, we need to share what we've learned and to train more teachers who understand the unique needs of these kinds of programs. My LA Phil family, by partnering with these two important educational institutions, will become a catalyst for change in communities throughout the U.S. It is my dream to see music become a reality for every child - this is a beautiful beginning."

TAKE A STAND supports learning for individuals and organizations that have their own El Sistema-inspired projects. It offers training for musicians who want to teach with these values and has two areas of focus: field-wide conferences and teacher training.

The national conferences will take a global perspective on El Sistema-influenced programs that are growing beyond the borders of Venezuela. Utilizing resources from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, including Walt Disney Concert Hall, Gustavo Dudamel, and YOLA as well as innovative programming from the MAT, these convenings will allow participants to learn together and explore best practices. The TAKE A STAND inaugural convening takes place in Los Angeles (January 30-February 1, 2012), in conjunction with the LA Phil's Mahler Project. Attendees will experience Gustavo Dudamel's Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela working alongside YOLA children and will have access to leaders and teachers from El Sistema's headquarters, Caracas. Some work study scholarships will be available; for additional information please visit: www.laphil.com/symposium.

 

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