El Sistema was founded by economist and musician Jose Antonio Abreu forty years ago in Venezuela, offering musical training for young people as a vehicle for positive social change. It has been shown to have a positive effect on participants, both socially and economically. The Inter-American Development Bank established that for every dollar spent on the program, it yields $1.34 in social dividends. Crashendo! was established with the El Sistema principles at its core, to provide a music program for Australian children.
The Crashendo! program is made up of children aged 7-12 who attend 2 two-hour classes after school each week for orchestral rehearsals, group tutorials and choir. The instruments are provided and participation in the program is free. The children receive stellar musical training and through their involvement in the program develop valuable skills such as teamwork, confidence, coordination, discipline, commitment and concentration. They develop a strong sense of belonging, self-worth and pride in achievement. They learn to work together and rely on each other in a positive, engaging environment. The children also have the opportunity to attend professional performances and perform regularly at school and in the community.
Crashendo! is a place where children learn music through practice, performance, observation, mentorship and reflection. Crashendo! offers children a broad curriculum to suit various ages, abilities and interests. Students attend rehearsals, group lessons, and classes in theory, music appreciation and composition. They are expected to meet high standards of performance, to practice regularly, attend all rehearsals and provide constructive feedback to their peers. Students are encouraged to ‘have a go’, form an opinion and evaluate their own and other’s performances. Mentors are identified to support new students in their learning. Mentoring encourages sharing, develops social skills and allows for an engaging, participant-led learning environment. Crashendo! provides a platform for students to improve their technical, performance and speaking skills, and develop into accomplished and confident musicians.
The positive effect of the program extends beyond the children to their parents, the school and the wider community. A survey of the parents last year revealed that 90% noticed an overall increase in their child’s confidence, 95% reported an increase in the general happiness of their child and furthermore 95% of parents reported that they now felt more positive about their child’s future. Quantitative and qualitative data shows that student attendance has increased at school, attention in class has improved and children are interacting with one another in a more positive way.
How was it formed?
Crashendo! was established in 2011 as a partnership between Laverton P-12 College, Hobsons Bay City Council and Victoria Police Hobsons Bay. This partnership was brought about initially at the instigation of Senior Constable Sharon Radau, Community Liaison Officer Victoria Police Hobsons Bay. Sharon had seen a documentary about El Sistema in Venezuela and was struck by its power and potential. She wondered whether something similar might work in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
How does it benefit the community?
Crashendo! students are gritty and determined. Crashendo! parents are supportive, proud and equally determined to do all they can to keep their child in the program. They know Crashendo! is unique in Laverton, places are limited and can provide their child with valuable skills and the possibility of a brighter future. Crashendo! targets students who are culturally and linguistically diverse living in Hobsons Bay City Council. A large percentage of the participants are of Karen background, refugees who have fled persecution in Thailand and Burma.
Laverton is an isolated suburb and has a high number of families in disadvantaged circumstances due to unemployment, low income and/or refugee status. As a result, students have few opportunities to engage in quality arts activities. Currently, Crashendo! fills this void. Students come together on a regular basis and learn to be creative, innovative and informed musicians and members of society. Social bonds, connectedness and a sense of identity are developed through making music together.
“I like to play because it makes me feel good and passionate to be free and I can let go and be lost. The more time I spend at Crashendo the more I feel like I am part of a family. It feels like I progress so much. And become a better person and smarter by the day.”
— Crashendo participant
For more information about this program visit the Crashendo! Facebook page or website.
If you would like to donate an instrument to the program, please contact Erica Rasmussen: erasmussen@netspace.net.au
