ABOUT US
Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu
WHAT
Forty-three years ago in a parking garage in Caracas, Venezuela, El Sistema was born when Dr. José Antonio Abreu gathered together 11 children to play music. The program now teaches music to over 350,000 of Venezuela’s poorest children, demonstrating the power of ensemble music to dramatically change the life trajectory of a nation’s youth while transforming the communities around them. El Sistema is now a movement, inspiring model programs around the world. Harmony South Dakota is bringing the transformational power of El Sistema to Sioux Falls!
WHO
Dan and Heidi Goeller are the founders of Harmony South Dakota. They are passionate about making meaningful music and sharing it with others. Dan and Heidi, along with other talented teaching artists, are working to create an encouraging and cooperative community of young musicians. Volunteers also play a crucial role in empowering each child to be successful.
WHERE
Harmony South Dakota is partnering with the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls in utilizing the St. Joseph Cathedral School to house its after-school Sistema-based program.
WHEN
Harmony South Dakota’s Sistema-based program operates Monday through Friday, from 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. every day that school is in session.
WHY
Harmony South Dakota believes that music provides a powerful opportunity for children to learn how to become a vital part of their community. The experience of making music in community also develops a child’s self-discipline, self-confidence, concentration, coordination, emotional awareness, patience, cooperation, imagination, and cognition.