GroundSwell has been working with composer and violist Melody McKiver and students of the WSO’s Sistema Program creating new music.
Over multiple in-person visits between April and June 2025, the students created a new piece with McKiver’s guidance. Sistema Winnipeg encourages students to reach their full potential and inspire greater social change within the community, through musical education. Inspired by the El Sistema Venezuelan model, the program is in partnership between the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO), Seven Oaks School Division (SOSD) and Winnipeg School Division (WSD) and is offered daily after school and at no cost to participating families. Sistema Winnipeg engages 120 students at two main school locations, Elwick Community School and King Edward School, varying from grades 1-10. Their programming includes general music, instrumental sectionals, full orchestral and choir rehearsals, and other activities for violin, viola, cello, bass, clarinet, flute, trumpet, french horn, and trombone.