Since 2011, El Sistema Lehigh Valley (ESLV) has provided high-quality, intensive music education and youth development opportunities to children throughout the Lehigh Valley. Through daily music instruction, ensemble rehearsals, academic support, mentorship, leadership development, and performance opportunities, ESLV creates a structured environment where students develop both musical excellence and essential life skills.

Serving more than 150 students from over 20 schools across the region each year, ESLV is designed as a longitudinal program that supports students from kindergarten through high school. Participants receive more than 520 hours of programming each year, including orchestra and choir rehearsals, sectional instruction, tutoring, leadership training, and enrichment activities.

At its core, ESLV is about much more than music. In addition to artistic instruction, students participate in programs focused on leadership, public speaking, financial literacy, health and wellness, college and career readiness, and social-emotional development. Through initiatives such as youth leadership courses, financial literacy workshops, mentoring opportunities, and student leadership roles, participants gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

As students progress in their musical studies and become members of an orchestra or choir, they develop focus, discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance. They learn the value of contributing to something greater than themselves while experiencing the joy and accomplishment that come from artistic growth and collaboration.

Throughout the year, ESLV students share their progress through seasonal performances and community engagement opportunities. The program culminates in an annual concert at the historic Miller Symphony Hall, where students perform for family, friends, and community members in a celebration of their hard work and achievements.

Our Mission

Our mission at El Sistema Lehigh Valley is to enrich our community by inspiring special needs and underserved youth with a free opportunity to develop coveted life and musical skills through the participation in daily musical instruction, large ensembles experiences and performance, along with academic tutoring.

Teach In Harmony

At ESLV our motto is “In an Orchestra, we do everything together!” This saying holds true throughout all ensembles that our students participate in, including the choirs. Our teachers work hand in hand to optimize the learning of our students as well as to create a safe and nurturing environment for them. We also hope to model this teamwork like behavior to our students so it will trickle down to the ways they operate with one another.

Our Groups