Our Programs

Depending on the site’s location our extra-curricular music programs provide 2 to 6 hours of instruction and activities that include the study of string instruments (string orchestra), fiddling, choir and body percussion, composition, traditional Mohawk art. 

  • Who Can Participate: Students from Kateri Tekakwitha and Karonhianonhnha schools, starting from 2nd grade. High school students are also welcome!
  • Students may choose a string instrument: Violin, Cello, Double Bass.
  • Ensemble Music Class Schedule (mandatory attendance for all): Every Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, from September to June.
  • Complementary Online Courses (Optional):
    • Private instrument lessons
    • Traditional music
    • Music theory and composition
    • Body percussion
    • Visual arts
  • This program is offered at no cost to participants, and an instrument is provided on loan for free for the duration of their participation.

  • Who Can Participate: Students from St-Gabriel school starting from 2nd grade.
  • Students may choose a string instrument: Violin, Viola, Cello.
  • Class Schedule” to : The program runs every Tuesday and Wednesday, 3 to 5 pm, from September to June.
  • This program is offered at no cost to participants, and an instrument is provided on loan for free for the duration of their participation.

  • The program is open to children from Grade 2 to Grade 8. While all are welcome to apply, we prioritize enrollment for low-income families and children with special needs.
  • Classes are held on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, running from September to June. The primary instrument offered is the violin.
  • This program is offered at no cost to participants, and an instrument is provided on loan for free for the duration of their participation.

NOTE: For inquiries about registration at this site, please contact Michael DePasquale: michael.depasquale@encoresistema.org

Join Our FREE Summer Program at 67 Rue Ontario O.

This summer, Encore Sistema Québec is excited to offer a structured program at our downtown location designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced string students.

Location: 67 Rue Ontario O., conveniently located close to both Place-des-Arts and Saint-Laurent metro stations on the Green Line.

Program dates: July 27 to August 20th (4-week program)

Schedule Overview:

  • Beginners (new to violin/cello) and Intermediate students will have two sessions per week, totaling 4 hours of instruction.
  • Advanced students, participating in a summer version of our Intermediate Youth Orchestra, will attend 6 hours per week, including 2 hours of sectionals (small group practice) and 4 hours of full orchestra rehearsals.

Weekly Schedule:

Follow the colours — 2 or 3 times a week, depending on your level 

Monday
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Beginner Violin (Students with little or no experience)
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Intermediate Violin
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Advanced Violin Sectionals (Violin Only)

Tuesday
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Beginner Cello (Students with little or no experience)
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Intermediate Cello
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Advanced Cello Sectionals (Cello Only)

Wednesday
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Beginner Violin (Students with little or no experience)
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Intermediate Violin
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Advanced Full Orchestra (advanced violin+cellos together)

Thursday
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Beginner Cello (Students with little or no experience)
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Intermediate Cello
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Advanced Full Orchestra (advanced violin+cellos together)

REGISTER NOW

This summer program is a great opportunity for advanced students to prepare for the Intermediate Youth Orchestra, with hopes of recruiting new members.

  • The program is open to children from Grade 2 to Grade 8. While all are welcome to apply, we prioritize enrollment for low-income families and children with special needs.
  • Students may choose a string instrument: Violin, Viola, Cello.
  • Program operates 3 days per week.  Each student participates in class twice per week.
  • Instrument Loan: If your child doesn’t own an instrument, they can loan one for free for the duration of their participation in the program.

Mondays: Cello Classes
4:00PM – 5:00PM: Intermediate Cello
5:00PM – 6:00PM: Beginner Cello

Tuesdays: Violin Classes
4:00PM – 5:00PM: Intermediate Violin
5:00PM – 6:00PM: Beginner Violin

Thursdays: TUTTI – Orchestra
4:00PM – 5:00PM: Intermediate Youth Orchestra
5:00PM – 6:00PM: Beginner String Orchestra

 

The program is open to String Players 7 – 14 years old

 

Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, running from September to June. Available for students who play  violin, viola, cello, or bass

For more information please visit our Intermediate Youth Orchestra Page

Encore!Sistema Quebec is Quebec’s first and only independent not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to delivering El Sistema – inspired programs to Quebec’s children and youth.

Music…has the power of forming the character and should, therefore, be introduced into the education of the young.

Aristotle

Pedagogical Model

Our program is fundamentally designed as a vehicle for social transformation. We leverage the power of music education to break down socioeconomic barriers and create opportunities for children from all backgrounds by providing them the tools and skills they need to reach their full potential. By placing a violin or a cello in the hands of a child, we are not just giving them an instrument—we are giving them a pathway to change, growth, and empowerment.

At the heart of our approach lies collective musical experiences. Students learn and perform together in orchestras, choirs, and various musical ensembles. It ensures that each child feels valued and integral to the group’s success, while cultivating crucial life skills such as teamwork, communication, and mutual respect. Through ensemble playing, children learn to listen actively, support one another, and work towards common goals, mirroring the dynamics of a well-functioning society.

Immersive music education experiences are uniquely powerful in rapidly building strengths and critical skills in youth. Therefore, our program offers frequent, regular sessions that immerse students in music-making multiple times per week. This high-frequency model accelerates skill development, fosters discipline, and provides a stable, nurturing environment for children.

Accessibility is a core tenet, ensuring that children from diverse backgrounds, especially those from marginalized or underserved communities, have access to music education. This inclusivity aims to level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for all participants.

Our program strives to create strong links between students, families, and the wider community. These connections extend beyond music, creating a supportive network that can have lasting positive impacts on the lives of our students and their families. By involving parents, community leaders, and local institutions, we create a holistic support system that reinforces the value of music education and its role in community building. 

Our Locations

Point St. Charles district – St. Gabriel School (read more…)
Peter McGill district – Centre Innovation Jeunes (read more…)
Kahnawà:ke – Kateri School (read more…)
Ville-Marie & Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district – Quartier des spectacles