An Armenian NGO is using crowd-funding to buy instrument for 50 young musicians waiting to join the Sistema Armenia Youth Orchestra (SAYO). 

With the new instruments, the 40 member SAYO can nearly double in size. 

The fundraising drive launched by the NGO One Armenia seeks to collect $13.349 with which to buy 2 cellos, 4 basses and 4 violas 

Music schools are very common in Armenia. However, the vast majority of them use teaching methods that are individualistic, lacking the ability to work together for a common goal. 

Sistema Armenia builds a community atmosphere where children learn to work together to create art. It also breaks away from old methods of teaching one on one in the classroom into the streets where art becomes public and for the people. 

“Armenia is so focused on soloists and doesn't give our kids much of an opportunity to work together,” said Anna MikaelianMeschian, Founder & Executive Director of SAYO. 

 “Playing together in an orchestra is a very special and joyful experience, which requires us to listen to each other, to care about details, to communicate, and to overcome all kinds of difficulties together. Experiencing the power of a moment created in unity with others is really all the kids need. The hunger for this sort of way of thinking, working and living is palpable in Armenia.” 

Anna was inspired by El Sistema, which was founded 38 years ago in a parking garage in Venezuela with 11 children. It now teaches music to 400,000 of Venezuela’s poorest children, demonstrating the power of ensemble music to dramatically change the lives of thousands of youth while transforming the communities around them. 

Sistema Armenia has only just begun and has the potential to grow indefinitely – creating jobs and building communities with youth orchestras popping up all over Armenia. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? 

Learn more, contribute, and spread the word by visiting the Indiegogo page HERE.