About
El Sistema Colorado Afterschool Music Program offers afterschool ensemble instruction and instrumental study. Students may choose violin, viola, cello, or bass, and the program includes The Afterschool Music Program, Prelude, Explorers, Jumpstart, Brio, Allegro, Crescendo, Cadenza, Chamber, the Accelerando Program, Summer Strings Festival, and Summer Strings Club.
Programs
- The Afterschool Music Program — Kindergarten - Grade 12 · Monday to Friday from 4:30pm - 6:30pm
- Prelude — Kindergarten to 1st grade · Twice weekly, 50 minutes · 1 year program
- Explorers — 1st to 2nd grade · Twice weekly, 50 minutes · 1 year program
- Allegro — Three days a week, 2 hours · Beginning Orchestra. Multi year program.
- Crescendo — Three days a week, 2 hours · Intermediate Orchestra. Multi year program.
- Cadenza — Three days a week, 2 hours · Advanced Orchestra. Multi year program.
- Chamber — for Intermediate & Advanced · Once a week, 1 hour · Small student-led ensembles.
- Jumpstart — 3rd to 5th grade · Twice weekly, 2 hours · For students learning a new instrument. 1 year program.
- Brio — 6th to 12th grade · Three days a week, 2 hours · For students learning a new instrument. Multi year program.
- Accelerando Program — Private lessons and masterclasses for current violin, viola, cello, and bass students. 20 lesson slots available each week.
- Summer Strings Festival — 2027 Dates TBA. A week-long opportunity for Colorado’s young musicians.
- Summer Strings Club — 6-11 · 2027 Dates TBA. 5-day experience for CURRENT ESC musicians.
At a glance
- Ages: 3–18 years old
- General schedule: Afterschool ensembles meet Monday through Friday from 4:30–6:30 p.m.; most students receive two to three hours of ensemble instruction each week.
About the provider
El Sistema Colorado was founded in January 2012. In October 2019, it opened its own music center and moved programming to Curtis Park. In 2026, it serves over 300 students from all across Denver every week, and since its founding it has served over 3,000 youth throughout Denver. Its leadership team includes Ingrid Larragoity-Martin, Executive Director; Johnny Szumski, Program Director; Katie Burns, ECE Manager, Early Strings Lead, Teaching Artist; and Beatriz Martinez, Administrative Secretary. The mission statement says El Sistema Colorado is a scholarship-based, excellence-driven, and opportunity-focused youth orchestra program that develops musical and personal agency, transcends socioeconomics, and strengthens community.
All are welcome to apply, but enrollment is prioritized for low-income families. No prior music experience is necessary. 80% program attendance is required. Participation requires a meaningful commitment from both students and families. Financial barriers should not prevent participation.
What families say
“Music has helped me in a lot of ways. It has helped me make new friends, meet new people and connect with them (...) I can’t see myself doing anything else but music! If music wasn’t in my life, I wouldn’t be who I am and it has helped me see who I am today as a person.” — ESC Cellist
“Without El Sistema, my daughter wouldn’t have been able to attend violin lessons. To me, El Sistema provides a once-in-a-life opportunity to learn how to play an instrument at no cost. I wish I had come across their program in my childhood.” — ESC Parent
Last updated August 20, 2026.
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