Something exciting is happening after school in East Chicago these days! A community partnership is assisting in the education and enrichment of 4th and 5th graders making their lives a bit more expressive through music, art and/or dance.
South Shore Arts (SSA), Carnegie Arts, South Shore Orchestra (SSO), Northwest Indiana Symphony (NISO), South Shore Dance Alliance, Communities in Schools and School City of East Chicago based this new afterschool program called UNIVERSO is based on the fundamentals of El Sistema—a social change/youth development program that uses ensemble music to enable every child to experience being an asset within her or his community. UNIVERSO—chosen because it means Universe in two or three languages—is expanding the music component to include art, dance and spoken word.
The basic program at Washington Elementary meets four days per week, is structured to provide one hour after school for homework and tutoring but then moves to a 90 minute period where students do sessions with art and dance or orchestra. Currently there are over 50 students who participate—30 of which are the makings of a new orchestra.
The chamber orchestra is made of three types of strings—violin, bass and cello. This group requires a contract with students, parents and the organization to strengthen the commitment to practice and care for instruments. The UNIVERSO grant from Foundations of East Chicago provides for the leasing of the instruments as well as the costs to run the program. The instructors are Amy Smith and Madolyn Hedin.
The public will have the opportunity to hear and see the results of this exciting new program and the hard work of students involved, in action on Tuesday, December 16th at Washington Elementary School from 5-6 PM.
Light refreshments will be served. Washington Elementary is located at 2400 Cardinal Dr. in East Chicago. Please use Door J and park near the Library.