August 2026
Music Without Barriers
A Week of Music, Growth, and Connection
ESC International Summer Strings Festival
Our 2026 El Sistema Colorado International Summer Strings Festival brought together nearly 100 young musicians from Colorado and our returning friends from CEMUT in Juárez, Mexico for an inspiring week of music-making, learning, and community.
From the first rehearsal to the final concert, our students immersed themselves in orchestra rehearsals, chamber music, music theory, choral singing, sectionals, and masterclasses led by an exceptional team of professional Teaching Artists from around the world. Together, they challenged themselves musically while discovering new ideas, building confidence, and developing skills that will last far beyond the festival.
But what makes this festival truly special is what happens beyond the notes on the page.
Students formed new friendships across cultures, discovered the value of collaboration, grew as leaders, and experienced firsthand the power of music to bring people together. Whether sharing meals, rehearsing side by side, or celebrating each other's successes, they built a community rooted in respect, curiosity, and belonging.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our Teaching Artists, administrative staff, guest artists, volunteers, donors, and community partners. Your generosity, professionalism, and unwavering support created an environment where every student could thrive.
Spotlight on Our Guest Artists
One of the defining features of this year's festival was the opportunity for students to learn from an extraordinary roster of guest artists.
Leading this remarkable experience were our Artistic Directors, Dr. Cheldon Williams and Mrs. Priscilla Arasaki, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence shaped every aspect of the festival.
Throughout the week, students participated in inspiring masterclasses, chamber coachings, sectionals, and rehearsals with accomplished performers and educators who brought a wealth of experience from professional orchestras, universities, and music programs across the globe. These artists challenged students to think creatively, refine their artistry, and deepen their understanding of music while sharing their own unique musical journeys.
Our guest artists modeled curiosity, collaboration, perseverance, and excellence, showing students what is possible through dedication and a lifelong love of music.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Williams, Mrs. Arasaki, every Teaching Artist, and each guest artist who generously shared their time, expertise, and passion. Your mentorship leaves a lasting impact on every student, and your commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians is at the heart of what makes the El Sistema Colorado International Summer Strings Festival such a transformative experience.
Summer Strings Festival Faculty
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Community Partners
A festival of this scale is only possible because of an incredible community of supporters who believe in the power of music education.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, foundations, local businesses, and community partners whose generosity helped make our $23,000 International Summer Strings Festival accessible to every young musician who wanted to participate.
For our students, the entire festival experience was tuition-free, with only a $35 registration fee, and even that fee was waived for families when needed. At a time when a single week at a high-quality music camp or festival can cost families anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000, your support allowed students to experience an exceptional level of instruction and artistry without cost being a barrier.
The El Sistema Colorado International Summer Strings Festival is one of the only summer festivals of its kind offering this caliber of intensive musical training and international collaboration at virtually no cost to participating students. Because of you, nearly 100 young musicians had access to professional and internationally recognized Teaching Artists, orchestra and chamber music experiences, masterclasses, leadership development, meals, instruments, learning materials, and opportunities to build friendships across communities and cultures.
Whether you sponsored a meal, volunteered your time, provided financial support, donated goods or services, or partnered with us in countless other ways, you helped fund a $23,000 experience for our youth and ensured that a family's financial circumstances never determined whether a young musician could participate.
Your investment extends far beyond one week of music. It builds confidence, leadership, friendships, artistry, and opportunities that will shape our students for years to come.
Thank you for believing in our mission of Music Without Barriers and for helping make the 2026 International Summer Strings Festival such an extraordinary, and truly accessible, success!
Looking Ahead: Back to School
ESC First Day of School - September 14th
As summer comes to a close, we're excited to welcome students and families back for another year of music, learning, and community.
This fall promises to be filled with inspiring rehearsals, exciting performances, meaningful partnerships, and opportunities for students of all ages to continue growing as musicians and leaders. Whether you're returning for another season or joining the El Sistema Colorado family for the first time, we can't wait to make music together.
Be sure to watch your email and follow us on social media for registration updates, concert announcements, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can continue supporting our students throughout the school year.
Together, we'll continue building a community where every child has the opportunity to discover their voice, develop their potential, and experience the transformative power of music.
Here's to another incredible year ahead, we'll see you soon!
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