January Newsletter: FY2025 Annual Report, National Symposium, and New Forums

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Dear El Sistema USA Members, Partners, and Supporters,

Happy New Year from the El Sistema USA team. As we begin 2026, we believe the work of our network is ever more critical and we are deeply committed to supporting our members and the students and communities they serve across the country.

This month’s newsletter features our FY2025 Annual Report, the upcoming 2026 National Symposium, and the Collegiate Access for Young Musicians cohort.

We are also gathering CEOs this spring to create space for reflection and peer learning in the midst of shifting current events.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or if we can be a resource to you. Warmly, The El Sistema USA Team

Explore the Impact of Our FY2025 Annual Report

In Fiscal Year 2025, El Sistema USA advanced its work nationwide by strengthening program quality, expanding leadership and learning opportunities, and investing in organizational infrastructure to support long-term sustainability. These efforts reflect our continued commitment to ensuring access to high-quality music education for young people across the country. We invite you to explore the report and learn more about the collective work made possible through the dedication of our network and supporters.

Call for Presenters | 2026 National Symposium

We invite teaching artists, program leaders, students, and partners to submit a proposal for the 2026 El Sistema USA National Symposium in Houston, Texas.

We Are Here | Aquí Estamos is a declaration and a celebration of collective work advancing equitable music education—centered on young people’s voices, dreams, and potential. In Houston, this work comes to life through professional learning, youth leadership, and collaborative musical experiences across four thematic tracks.

• Session Proposal Deadline: March 6, 2026
• Symposium registration is open to all. Early bird registration closes February 15.

Interested in sponsoring the Symposium or hosting a table in our Networking Hall? Please review our Symposium Sponsorship Packet to learn more.

Spring CEO Forum Series

This spring, we are convening CEOs and program leaders for monthly meetings to check in on programming and discuss the impact of current events. A separate invitation will be shared directly with program leaders. This opportunity is open to ESUSA members. If you are an ESUSA program leader and would like to be added to the CEO listserv, please contact brian@elsistemausa.org CEO Forum Dates: • Tuesday Feb 3 at 12-1pm ET // 9-10am PT • Tuesday March 3 at 12-1pm ET // 9-10am PT • Tuesday, April 7 at 12-1pm ET // 9-10am PT

New Rural Programs Forum

Are you a rural program leader or have insight to share for rural programs? This is a roundtable discussion is for you. This is a gathering space specific for the rural programs to connect and discuss challenges & solutions for ESUSA member programs. A separate invitation will be shared directly with program leaders. If you are an ESUSA program leader and would like to be added to the CEO listserv, please contact brian@elsistemausa.org Rural Program Dates: • Thursday, February 5 | 12–1pm ET // 9–10am PT • Thursday, April 9 | 12–1pm ET // 9–10am PT • Thursday, June 4 | 12–1pm ET // 9–10am PT A separate invitation will be shared directly with program leaders.

Register for Collegiate Access for Young Musicians

Take the Next Step Toward College-Level Music Study

The 2026 Collegiate Access for Young Musicians Application Accelerator Cohort supports high school sophomores and juniors navigating the college music application process. Through guided virtual sessions, students build the skills and tools needed for college exploration, applications, auditions, and financial aid—while creating a personalized portfolio aligned with their goals.

The cohort runs February–April 2026, with the first session on February 17. Designed especially for students facing financial, geographic, or cultural barriers, this program is offered in partnership with Equity Arc.

Check out the ESUSA Jobs Board and some of the most recent job listings below—and subscribe with your email to receive new opportunities straight to your inbox.