When we hear about El Sistema, the first thing that usually comes to mind is orchestra. So I was pleasantly surprised when we saw dozens of children singing in choirs everywhere we went. In fact, some modulos are almost exclusively choir-based. It's an excellent way to get several children involved in making beautiful music quickly.
Two different nucleo leaders even told us that they always start new nucleos or modulos with choir for about a year, to get the kids learning and performing music, to train teachers, and to fund-raise for instruments, so that when the instrumental program begins, everyone is ready for it, financially, educationally, and musically.
Here are a few of my favorite clips from the wonderful world of El Sistema choirs. (For more, visit the blogs Fellows Aisha Bowden and Alysia Lee.)
Baby Choir in Barquisimeto Works on Dynamics (these kids are between 2-4 years old)
A Children's Choir in Valle de la Pascua, Guarico, Greets Us with a Very Cool Tune
The Same Choir, Singing a Beautiful Song (if you know the name, please let me know)
The name o the song is "La Estrella"
ReplyDeleteLA ESTRELLA
Mira cuántas brillan,
mira cuántas brillan
en la inmensidad.
Una es tuya, niño,
una es tuya, niño,
y de nadie más.
Búscala,
búscala entre tantas
que en cielo está
diciendo tu nombre
con su palpitar.
Una es tuya, niño,
una es tuya, niño,
y de nadie más.
Búscala,
esa estrella es tuya
y de nadie más.
... SOY TUYA, LO SABES.