New Orchestra Initiative
Ravinia Festival and The People's Music School have joined forces to bring music
education to children. In 2008 The People's Music School initiated an orchestra
training project and created the YOURS (Youth Orchestras United Rita Simo) Orchestra
at Hibbard Elementary School, modeled after Venezuela's El Sistema. The system has
embraced the notion of transforming groups of children into communities of musicians
who in turn transform their communities. The Ravinia Festival Women's Board initiated
the REACH Orchestra at Hibbard in January 2010. The partnership now has 3 orchestras
at Hibbard where 160 students participate in sectional and full orchestra rehearsals
5 days a week for 2 hours after school.