Our CHIME program aims to engage, inspire and empower our students and community by:
- Breaking down invisible barriers and creating equal opportunity for all young people to pursue music in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment;
- Cultivating outstanding music ensembles that center music-making as a vital act of self-expression and community-building;
- Fostering crucial 21st century skills such as creativity, critical thinking and collaboration;
- Creating space for our students to develop a strong sense of personal identity and collective purpose through music.
CHIME in Schenectady
Beginning with a cohort of 30 children at Schenectady’s Yates Arts in Education Magnet School, CHIME now serves over 150 children at two Schenectady program sites. CHIME in Schenectady would not be possible without the active support and partnership of the Schenectady City School District.
CHIME serves 25+ children in grades 1-3 at Yates Arts in Education Magnet School in Schenectady, NY. This site provides children with a musical foundation on stringed instruments. Daily instruction from 2:15-4:00pm includes small group lessons, full ensemble rehearsals, choir, general music classes and supervised practice. “First Friday” concerts occur on site for family and friends. Community performances and “side-by-sides” with ESYO ensembles occur throughout the school year.
CHIME at Yates is open to children who attend the school; a lottery system is used to place children in available spots, with preference given to children with the greatest financial need.
Located at the Adeline Graham Theatrical Training and Innovation Center (The Addy) at Proctors, CHIME at Proctors is open to all middle schools students (grades 6-8) in the Schenectady City School District as well as current CHIME musicians in grades 4-5 who have shown enough skill development to advance into this more advanced program. District busses transport students from their school to the program and home again, providing members three hours of intensive music instruction five days per week.
CHIME at Proctors includes a full symphonic orchestra, and offers musicians comprehensive support and training they need to transition to one of ESYO’s performing ensembles. “First Friday” concerts occur on site for family and friends. Community performances and “side-by-sides” with ESYO ensembles occur throughout the year.
The program is through application only, including a personal statement and teacher recommendation.
CHIME Community Partners
CHIME’s success is due, in large part, to the strength of its community partnerships. ESYO is grateful for the trust, support and resources it enjoys from each of these groups, and recognizes each as a key component in CHIME’s continued growth and sustainability.
John Keal Music Company
John Keal Music Co. John Keal has supported ESYO for decades by providing music folders, setting up musical petting zoos at ESYO events and placing advertisements in ESYO programs. Huge advocates of Sistema-inspired programs, John Keal is committed to providing rental instruments and repairs for the CHIME program at a generous discount.
Proctors
Proctors is a thriving performing and educational arts space located in the heart of Schenectady. ESYO has its administrative offices at Proctors, and has held annual performances on the main stage for the past 30 years. Proctors staff have provided guidance regarding program implementation in the Schenectady City School District, particularly in how to establish a sustainable funding model for CHIME. Proctors houses the intermediate and advanced CHIME ensembles in its newly constructed third floor performance space as well as ESYO’s introductory performing string groups.
Art Partners
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Albany Symphony Orchestra (ASO), and the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra (SSO) all provide free tickets for CHIME students to a variety of performances and arrange for residencies with guest artists; ASO and SSO musicians also serve as guest teachers and coaches.
El Sistema USA
El Sistema USA (ESUSA) provides connections to knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership development for program directors, teaching artists, students, and volunteers. Members collaborate to share resources, values, aspirations, and advocacy efforts. ESUSA serves three major purposes: strengthening existing nucléos through capacity development and research, encouraging the formation of new nucléos through providing resources, connections and training, and building awareness of El Sistema at large throughout the United States. Learn more about El Sistema USA by clicking here.