What is El Sistema Oklahoma?
El Sistema Oklahoma has grown rapidly into a well-respected, successful and unique after-school program serving over 200 underserved public school children in the heart of Oklahoma City. El Sistema Oklahoma is a non-profit 501(c)3 founded by Cathy and Phil Busey, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, and the Wanda Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University through a creative partnership. The mission of El Sistema Oklahoma is to serve the community by engaging children within an ensemble-based music program so they can share the joy of music making and grow as responsible citizens.
While our students receive instruction from top-notch music teachers five days a week during the school year, El Sistema Oklahoma is about more than music education. We believe musicianship is a tool to help children grow as responsible citizens and community members. The children who participate in El Sistema Oklahoma receive a world-class musical education with lessons that extend beyond the practice room and into the real world. Research is beginning to show what our teachers and staff strongly believe: what children learn at El Sistema Oklahoma will have a meaningful and profound impact in their daily lives and on our community for years to come. We take great pride and joy in working with our children.
Currently, El Sistema Oklahoma serves 220 children in third through eleventh grade.