Fortaleza
Fortaleza focuses on the musical skills needed to be a
successful contemporary musician.
ESO's Fortaleza modern band began in January 2020 as an extension of El Sistema's orchestral program. Fortaleza students are introduced to contemporary music skills and instruments including drums, guitar, bass, keyboard, and vocals. Fortaleza rehearses and performs contemporary music styles including pop, rock, hip hop, and rap. The curriculum further includes reading lead sheet notation, music theory fundamentals, ear training, and songwriting. Fortaleza performs in seasonal showcases throughout the year at the ESO programming site and in off-site performances including at Factory Obscura and the Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center.
Students in Fortaleza are selected by their school principals and music teachers as students who would benefit from the community and joy that music
brings. The goal of Fortaleza is to give young musicians an outlet for musical expression and participation through the vehicle of contemporary music.
