Harmony

Creating stronger learners, building confidence, and opening new doors through music

Harmony Overview

Now entering its 10th year, Harmony is a string instruction program that breaks down barriers and uses music as a tool for social transformation. It empowers students to make a positive impact in school and society. Harmony is inspired by El Sistema, the Venezuelan music education philosophy that develops the whole student and meets specific community needs.

Launched in 2016 as a small, barrier-free after-school program, Harmony has since expanded to serve more than 100 students at two elementary schools in St. Paul: Riverview Spanish-English Dual Immersion School and L’Étoile du Nord French Immersion.

During the school year, Harmony participants meet three mornings every week, from 8:00 am to 9:15 am, to learn violin or cello. Harmony students perform in various concerts throughout the year, including in their communities, at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, and in collaboration with GTCYS’ orchestras. Students also benefit from summer programming, including camps and weekly jam sessions. Harmony is made possible with generous support from GTCYS’ donor community.

Upon graduating from fifth grade, Harmony alumni advance into GTCYS’ school-year orchestras and benefit from weekly lessons and instruments, provided at a low cost by GTCYS. More than 40 of our program’s alumni are now GTCYS orchestra musicians.

Online Calendar

• View and subscribe to the Harmony Riverview Calendar »
• View and subscribe to the Harmony L’Etoile Calendar »

Program Objectives

• To provide students with opportunities to learn a musical instrument and develop their musical performance skills
• To promote social-emotional learning, which contributes to students’ positive outcomes in school and society
• To foster a lifelong passion for and interest in music
• To open doors to new opportunities and experiences

Watch a Harmony Performance

Enjoy their live performance of Rafael dos Santos’ Bolo de Limão.

Faculty

• • Harmony is lead by Harmony Director Laurie McFaul and Harmony Manager Emily Doyle. Visit the GTCYS Board & Staff page to see the complete list of Harmony faculty.

Questions?

• • You can email Emily Doyle emily@gtcys.org with any questions about the Harmony Program!