Musicopia String Orchestra
Musicopia String Orchestra
Musicopia String Orchestra came into existence in 2005 to serve students throughout the greater Philadelphia area who lack cultural opportunities and constructive, creative outlets. Musicopia has worked closely with the School District of Philadelphia and other community partners to create this inclusive ensemble that has a very high ratio of music staff to students and is a welcoming home to students whose skill levels on their string instruments range widely.
The Orchestra draws its inspiration from a system of youth orchestras that have transformed the lives of youngsters throughout Venezuela and elsewhere in Latin America. As shown on a CBS 60 Minutes segment, these youth orchestras have had a profound impact on the poorest communities in Venezuela. Musicopia founded our ensemble because we believe that participating in serious, long-term musical endeavors over time can have a truly transformative impact on students.
As of fall 2008, Musicopia String Orchestra is being offered in partnership with The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, one of the oldest and most highly regarded youth orchestras in the country. Musicopia String Orchestra will rehearse at the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Center, located at historic Saint Patrick’s Hall at 20th and Locust Street, in Center City Philadelphia. Open to students from public, private, parochial and charter schools, the orchestra is a group of young musicians who represent widely diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences. With modest admission requirements, students from any area, who meet the requirements listed below, are welcome to join the Orchestra.
Student Requirements:
- Audition or a written recommendation from their string teacher
- Students must provide their own instrument
- Students must read music and be able to play on all four strings with all four fingers, in half and first positions
The partnership with Philadelphia Youth Orchestra promises to open many doors to Musicopia students. Maestro Louis Scaglione, President and Music Director of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, will personally oversee artistic operations of Musicopia String Orchestra, as the ensemble heads into its fourth year. Maestro Scaglione, who is a major force for youth music in the greater Philadelphia area and nationwide, will manage both the Artistic Coordinator and Coaches who, in turn, will lead the Musicopia String Orchestra on a day-to-day basis. Musicopia continues to be responsible for administering the ensemble. Violinist Daniela Pierson will assume the role of Artistic Coordinator under Maestro Scaglione’s supervision. The number of rehearsals will increase to 35, spanning the full academic year. This will allow the students to master more music, and perform at a higher level than in the past. It will also allow coaches to offer more instruction to those students who have little or no access to private lessons. Enrichment activities will be offered throughout the year, including master classes with eminent musicians from the area and attendance at Philadelphia Youth Orchestra’s inspiring concerts.
We are happy to give an update on the continued success Venezuela’s National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras, which provides free musical training for any student in the country who would like to participate. In 2007, Gustavo Dudamel, a 26-year old, was named the new music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Dudamel had started playing in the Venezuelan orchestras at age five. Founded in the 1970’s by Jose Antonio Abreu, the System (as it is referred to in Venezuela) currently serves over 250,000 youth nationwide through 120 education centers and has spawned similar orchestras in other Latin American countries (known as the Orchestras of the Americas). This extensive music education system of youth orchestras in Venezuela is often referred to as the best in the world and is almost wholly government funded (with some private support as well). Children are basically taught a modified Suzuki method, and to become involved, students only have to be strong enough to hold a bow and instrument. Dudamel started composing concerts at age 8, was conducting an orchestra within the System by age 14, and at 18 Abreu took Dudamel under his wing. It is truly inspiring to see how comprehensive and government supported music education programs can help to change the face of an entire country.