Support Sistema Tulsa!
Our hope is that your gifts can connect directly with the heart of our mission and with the joy of our children. Thank you for your support and encouragement! #community #excellence #joy
Our hope is that your gifts can connect directly with the heart of our mission and with the joy of our children. Thank you for your support and encouragement! #community #excellence #joy
Tulsa's Young Musicians Need Your Help!
In 2024-2025, Sistema Tulsa served 1600 students in year-round, summer and visiting programs under the guidance of 60 dedicated teachers, operating at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, various Tulsa Public Schools sites, and through summer camps. Our partnerships with organizations such as El Sistema USA and local foundations enable us to offer high-quality music experiences, regardless of socioeconomic background. This is a groundbreaking outreach and community program positions music education as a tool for positive youth development.
Research continues to validate our approach:
- A recent study by RISE Consulting LLC reported significantly positive outcomes for elementary students—our largest group—showing gains in socio-emotional, cognitive, and community development. Our work provides vital Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs), supporting children’s healing and growth.
- Insights from this research have sparked new strategic planning, emphasizing continued collaboration with Tulsa Public Schools and church communities to adapt music education as means to improve academic outcomes and community well-being.
Some of our program highlights include:
- Premiering new children’s symphony orchestras at Mayo and Tisdale Elementary schools.
- Performing at signature events, such as the Gathering Place, TU football games, and the Tulsa Children’s Naturalization Ceremony.
- Hosting Joy Concerts and the TPS-Sistema Tulsa Showcase, uniting students from ten partner schools into a single orchestra.
- Recording sessions at The Church Studio gave students hands-on experience in professional music production.
- Our faculty benefited from regional training institutes and continued education initiatives, enhancing their skills and effectiveness.
- Former students have continued to return as teachers and mentors, embodying the program’s values and creating a cycle of inspiration.
Contact: Jose Luis Hernandez - jlhernandez@bostonavenue.org
At Tisdale Elementary, students get to rehearse after school and although they’ve had a busy day, they still muster the energy to continue learning. In fact, this is a big reason why they come to school. “I just love to play in the band,” says a student. We know that our Sistema teachers make a difference in these students’ lives by helping them polish the sounds they make. This is about making progress each day and the students are very much aware of the hard work it takes to master something. We specially recognize Tisdale music teacher Mr. Ben Schmenk for his efforts in making this experience possible for the students. Bravo!