Sistema Toronto and Niagara’s NB Distillers have teamed up for a fundraiser that will support music education in some of Toronto’s underserved neighbourhoods. NB Distillers Presents: Sistema Spirits takes place on April 23, offering music lovers, community members, and philanthropists an evening of live music, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres to nibble on, and, of course, a tasting of some of NB Distillers small batch spirits.
The event will be held at The Bakery at 2 Fraser Avenue in Toronto, a heritage building that was once a factory. The venue is a donation by Robert and Ellen Eisenberg, Sistema Toronto’s Founders.
“NB Distillers’ enthusiasm for our mission and generous support of this event reminds us how a supportive community can provide the opportunities our young people need to thrive,” says Shawn Earle, CEO of Sistema Toronto, in a statement.
“We are deeply grateful for partners who share our mission to make music education accessible to every child. Events like Sistema Spirits do more than just raise funds; they demonstrate how a committed community can empower young people to grow through arts education.”
Live music will be performed by Sistema Toronto Teaching Artists — Sebastian Ostertag (cello), Rae Gallimore (viola), and Daniela Olana (violin), and former Teaching Artist Aline Homzy (violin). The program will include classical favourites and contemporary adaptations.
Sistema Toronto reaches more than 650 children and youth each week in Toronto’s underserved communities. The program uses ensemble-based music education to build not only musical skills, but also creativity, teamwork, and resilience.
Students in the program receive 10 hours of instruction at no cost to them over four days every week on instruments that include strings (violin, viola, cello, or double bass), percussion, choir, and winds (clarinet or trumpet), as well as music theory. Younger children can enrol in the Music & Movement program. Each child is given an instrument as soon as they can hold one.
Sistema Toronto was founded in 2011, and its first programs were offered at Parkdale Junior and Senior Public School. From there, the organization spread to more and more schools across the city, and offers both daytime and after school programming. The organization also partners with the Toronto Public Library to offer djembe, violin, and cello jams and workshops, a program they plan on expanding over the next five years.
Peer support and mentorship are important components of the program, and create the supportive environment that forms the core of Sistema Toronto. Older students are encouraged to teach younger children.
In addition to music education, Sistema Toronto offers a nutrition program, where each student is provided with healthy snacks at no charge.
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