The National System of Youth and Children's Choirs and Orchestras of Venezuela: A teaching model of social inclusion through musical excellence

Abstract

The National System of Youth and Children's Choirs and Orchestras of Venezuela, now in its 41 st year, serves as a powerful tool for social inclusion by means of collective music education. This paper tries to illustrate the validity of its vision and mission and clarify the ways its particular didactic practices break traditional paradigms. Along these four decades and with the support of the Venezuelan state, El Sistema has adapted itself to changing times, deepening its social action as proposed by Maestro José Antonio Abreu. This has been accomplished through a number of educational principles and with the creation of new programs that have responded to the needs of thousands of children and youngsters, and with the practice of music making. Here there is a close look at the key pedagogical and didactical concepts, describing the individual and collective benefits that derive from their practice. Finally, we define the educational principles underneath the musical and social work of the institution.