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Project Harmony
Project Harmony began in 2010, when former Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Music Director, Christopher Warren-Green, and his wife, Rosemary, started a tuition-free after school music program at Winterfield Elementary School. The Winterfield program eventually became what is now Project Harmony. Today, Project Harmony serves almost 200 2nd-5th grade students from Title I schools and high-needs communities across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region, providing free music lessons, instruments, and classroom materials.

A partnership program between the Charlotte Symphony and Arts+, Project Harmony is inspired by the revolutionary music-for-social-change organization, El Sistema, which began in Venezuela in 1975. Through weekly orchestra classes, Project Harmony creates social transformation through music, fostering important skills, development, and personal empowerment. Ensemble playing is at the heart of Project Harmony: the orchestra acts as a "model society," embracing collaboration and diversity, while giving students the tools to be inspired to enact positive social change in their communities.


Currently, Project Harmony has 4 locations in different neighborhoods across Charlotte: Montclaire, West Boulevard, West Sugar Creek, and Winterfield. Students come from over 50 different schools across the Charlotte region, half of which are Title I. Though each location is uniquely tailored to the needs and culture of its community, all Project Harmony students come together to perform in one, unified ensemble for concerts and performances.

MONTCLAIRE


Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:45-5:15 pm
Closest Schools to Location: Montclaire Elementary, Starmount Academy of Excellence, Pinewood Elementary, & Nations Ford Elementary.
 

WEST BOULEVARD


Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:15-5:45 pm
Closest Schools to Location: Parker Academic Center, Renaissance West STEAM Academy, Reid Park Academy, & Governor's Village STEM Academy.
 

WEST SUGAR CREEK


Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays from 3:30-5 pm
Closest Schools to Location: David Cox Elementary, Queen City STEM, Winding Springs Elementary, & Corvian Community School.
 

WINTERFIELD


Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays from 4:45-6:15 pm
Closest Schools to Location: Winterfield Elementary, Oakhurst STEAM Academy, Idlewild Elementary, Charlotte East Language Academy, & Windsor Park Elementary.

Thank you for your interest in Project Harmony! At this time, we are not accepting registrations.

Please check back in August when registration re-opens or, if you would like to be notified when registration is open please complete the following form.
 
     Project Harmony 2024-2025 Interest Form
For more information, please contact Project Harmony Manager Michaela Sciacca.
 

PRESTO (Program for Rising El Sistema Organizations) 

In July of 2018, El Sistema USA (ESUSA) identified 13 exemplary organizations nationwide to support through the Program for Rising El Sistema Organizations (PRESTO). As a member of PRESTO, ESUSA provides the Charlotte Symphony with funding, networking and mentorship opportunities, and training for senior leadership over a three-year period. Learn more about the Charlotte Symphony's involvement with PRESTO and El Sistema USA here.
 

El Sistema USA 

El Sistema USA (ESUSA) provides connections to knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership development for program directors, teaching artists, students, and volunteers. Members collaborate to share resources, values, aspirations, and advocacy efforts. ESUSA serves three major purposes: strengthening existing nucléos through capacity development and research, encouraging the formation of new nucléos through providing resources, connections and training, and building awareness of El Sistema at large throughout the United States. Learn more about El Sistema USA here.