A group of 45 Moncton children is participating in an after-school orchestral program fashioned after Venezuela’s internationally renowned El Sistema initiative.The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra’s pilot program aimed at teaching music to schoolchildren, especially those in low-income areas, officially opened in Moncton on Thursday.The Moncton initiative is believed to be the first of its kind in Canada to develop in the same vein as Venezuela’s El Sistema.Students in Grades 1 to 4 started picking up their instruments about five weeks ago.
Ken MacLeod, president of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, said the idea is to put violins, violas, cellos and double basses into the hands of as many children as possible.

After a few short weeks, MacLeod said he is already seeing the payoff.

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CBC News – Music – Free youth orchestra debuts in Moncton