GroundSwell will support composer and violist Melody McKiver to work with students and musicians of the WSO’s Sistema Program.

Over multiple in-person and online visits between April and June 2022, the students will create 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. Our 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.

Follow Sistema Winnipeg on social media by searching @SistemaWPG on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!