Upbeat New Hampshire
Eight years ago, when Upbeat New Hampshire (formerly “Sinfonietta Strings”) was formed, we were inspired by “El Sistema.” El Sistema began in Venezuela 40 years ago when Dr. Abreu created a model of how a music program can both create great musicians and dramatically change the life trajectory of thousands of children.
Upbeat New Hampshire is a social change/youth development program that uses ensemble music to enable every child to experience being an asset within her or his community. We develop responsible, joyful, contributing citizens. Students feel an ownership of the music making process, taking responsibility for both individual and group improvement. Our string orchestra and ensembles act as a model society in which an atmosphere of competition between individuals is replaced by shared aspiration and investment. It is a place for students to learn to listen and respect one another. We are proud that, following review of our program, El Sistema USA has named Upbeat New Hampshire as a member.
Upbeat New Hampshire works in partnership with the Nashua School District and our fiscal agent, United Way of Greater Nashua. There is no cost to the school district and is funded through private donations and grants. Upbeat promotes social learning and good study skills by enabling a student to be part of a group of peers working as a team. We begin string instruction in elementary school in group lessons with just three to a group. Students may continue string lessons through to senior year of high school. In addition, students may participate in larger string ensembles or a string orchestra. The string orchestra is open to all string students in the Greater Nashua community. Please give us a like on Facebook.com/UpbeatNewHampshire and visit UpbeatNewHampshire.org for more information!
Our sincerest thanks to the United Way of Greater Nashua for their support and guidance.
Upbeat New Hampshire is supported in part by a grant from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts. Support also comes from the Nashua Education Foundation, Nashua Arts Commission, New Hampshire Charitable Trust, United Way of Greater Nashua, Rotary West, Ella F. Anderson, BNY Mellon, N.A., Trustee, Harvard Club of New Hampshire, City of Nashua Citizen’s Advisory Commission, Agnes Lindsay Trust, D’Addario Foundation, Marine Family Foundation, Kings Daughter’s Benevolent Trust, Nashua Rotary, Rotary West
