Venezuela Provides Technical Training for Saint Lucian and Dominican Republic Teachers

Thirteen primary and secondary school teachers from Saint Lucia and the Dominican Republic participated in a two-week training program focused on choral practice, early childhood education, and special education, held recently , under a cooperation agreement between the nations.

The teachers, all specializing in music, were organized into three groups: Choral, Musical Initiation, and Special Education. They received comprehensive training at the National Center for Social Action through Music, including sessions on El Sistema’s structure and strategies for teaching children with disabilities.

In July, the group visited the Venezuela Experimental School, home to the successful Simón Bolívar Program, where they observed a class demonstration and witnessed the impact of music on student engagement.

Judith Uribe, coordinator of the school, praised El Sistema for inspiring students to overcome limitations. Fourth-grade teacher Noris Bello noted significant improvements in her students, including those with learning disabilities, who thrived under the program’s guidance.

During the training sessions, the delegates visited the La Rinconada Center, where students showcased their musical talents through various programs, including the New Members Program and the Paper Orchestra, highlighting the effective use of recyclable materials for musical education.

The tour progressed through the Recorder Orchestras, Alma Llanera Program, CAR La Rinconada’s Pre-Infant Orchestra, Cello Ensemble, Children and Youth Choir, and the PIM Haydn Orchestra. The visit culminated at the agora, where three ensembles performed: the Teresa Carreño Children’s Orchestra captivated the audience with “Congas de Fuego” by Arturo Márquez; the Inocente Carreño Youth Orchestra delivered Glinka’s Overture; and the Oscar D’León Latin-Caribbean Orchestra energized the crowd with “Quimbara” (by Celia Cruz).

The visit culminated in performances by three ensembles, showcasing the energetic spirit of El Sistema’s teaching philosophy led by Maestro Leonardo Hurtado and the José Antonio Abreu Chair of Thought.

Week Two

During the second week, the guests immersed themselves in intensive training. Mornings were dedicated to the Special Education and Choral Programs, while afternoons were reserved for observing program implementation at various CARs and centers.

The choral group engaged in rigorous training on sequential repertoire-based choral practice and choral conducting, followed by a Q&A session. The Musical Initiation and Special Education groups participated in classes covering bells, rhythmic bands, complementary cuatro, choral initiation, and integrated choir.

In the afternoons, they conducted practical work at different CARs. The Special Education group visited the 23 de Enero center, the Musical Initiation group went to La Rinconada, and the Choral group headed to the Maestro Headquarters at Parque Central and the CAR Montalbán.

Following a class on choral practice with Professor Genaro Quintana, Joiya Charles from Saint Lucia expressed her enthusiasm: “I’m taking home an abundance of new knowledge. I learned to conduct numerous vocal and choral techniques. Above all, the quality of the teachers has been exceptional, and I am eager to share this with my school when I return.”

The National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela, under the Simón Bolívar Musical Foundation and the Ministry of the People’s Power for the Office of the Presidency and Government Monitoring of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is committed to fostering academic and musical exchanges with teachers from Saint Lucia and the Dominican Republic.

This initiative strengthens international strategic alliances.