Music experts in Moncton to discuss children's program

Music experts from across Canada and from other countries have come to Moncton to discuss a program that allows underprivileged children to learn music.

About 90 students are taking part in a summer orchestral music camp by Sistema.

The Sistema program is a free after-school music program at Bernice MacNaughton High School that originated in Venezuela and came to Moncton two years ago.

Both the camp and the after-school programs were created for children who might not have access to orchestral or choir music otherwise for financial reasons.

Chloe Brubacher plays the double bass and says she loves the way it sounds. The Grade 5 student developed a love of music after her sister was enrolled in the Sistema program.

"She always came home smiling and saying it was so much fun, I really wanted to be a part of it and now I am," she said.

Chloe will be taking part in the after school music program again this fall and says she can't wait.

As the children enjoy the summer camp, educators and musicians from across Canada and beyond are meeting to talk about Sistema and bring it to their regions.

David Visentin, the director of Sistema Toronto, helped start the program last fall with the help of Sistema New Brunswick.

"Everyone's in the same place — they're either in their infancy or just about to be born, so it's immeasurably valuable to our organizations," he said.

The program is up and running in Moncton and Saint John and will expand to Richibucto.

Brubacher says hopes the new students find the same kind of passion she discovered through Sistema.