These answers to frequently asked questions will help inform you about the Venezuela Year program, which is in many ways unique among WorldTeach offerings.

General
When does the program start and end?
Will there be a World Teach support in Venezuela?

 

General Questions:

Q: When does the program start and end?

A: The program starts about August 24th and ends in mid-July. Volunteers must commit to the full duration of the program (10 months + 3 week orientation). More information on exact dates of departure will be available 3-4 months prior to departure.  The school year starts September 15, 2008 and ends July 15, 2009.

Q:  Will there be a World Teach support in Venezuela?

A:  Yes! There will be a Field Director to administer and coordinate the project in Venezuela.  He/she will be working closely with FESNOJIV, the WorldTeach US office, and the volunteers to assure a successful experience for everyone.

About the Music Program:

Q: Who is our partner in Venezuela?

A: WorldTeach is partnering with the Fundacion del Estado para el Sistema Nacional de las Orquestas Juveniles e Infantiles de Venezuela (FESNOJIV).  FESNOJIV is also called “El Sistema.”  FESNOJIV is a system of classical orchestras that practice and perform classical music in music centers called “núcleos” throughout all 24 states of Venezuela.  The program reaches out to embrace children, especially those who are at-risk or from poverty, from an early age.  Students usually remain in the program through high school and beyond.

FESNOJIV was founded, however, not as much to address musical interests but as a social action tool to pull children in off the streets, to give them violins and flutes and other instruments, all free for them to use, and to engage them daily in the study of classical music.  A total of 161 music centers, or “núcleos” have been established throughout the country where these students come to study and to practice.

 FESNOJIV is contributing to the support of the volunteer musicians in this program. 

Q:  Who supports FESNOJIV?

A: The FESNOJIV program is supported by the Venezuelan government. 

Q:  What is a brief history of FESNOJIV?

A:  FESNOJIV was founded by the visionary economist/musician José Antonio Abreau, who established this organization 35 years ago.  FESNOJIV has been supported by the past seven governments of Venezuela.  It is widely recognized as a very important social and artistic program. 

It is today the international leader in classical music education.  The brilliant 26 year-old conductor Gustavo Dudamel, a product of “El Sistema,” was recently appointed Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  The Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar (Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra), the senior youth orchestra of this system, tours internationally.  This fall they toured in the UK, and the United States and Mexico, and then in Spain. Guest conductors have included Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director of the Berlin Philharmonic, and Claudio Abaddo, formerly also of the Berlin Philharmonic and of La Scala.   

Here are some links: Wikipedia  |  BBC  |  Boston Globe  |  Listen for Free 

Q:  Who will be accepted into the program?

A: World Teach is recruiting talented and highly skilled graduates of music conservatories or graduates of universities with exceptionally strong instrumental music departments.  They will serve as full-time classical instrumental teachers and performers in “El Sistema” in Venezuela. 

Q:  Where will I live?

A:  You will live with other members from your ensemble in apartments near the núcleo (community training center) where you are assigned.  These apartments will be furnished.  Each volunteer will have his/her own bedroom. 

Q:  Where will the núcleos be located?

A:  There will be three sites selected as the “home bases” for the WorldTeach volunteers.  They will be in state centers.  Likely they will be at Puerto la Cruz, Maracay and Barquisimeto. 

Q:  How big are these music centers?

A:  There are between 1,000 to 3,000 students in the núcleos in the state capitals.  There are smaller núcleos in other smaller cities in the states.  They may have as few as 200 – 300 students.

Q:  How is the nucleo run?

A:  There is a director of the núcleo.  In addition there are professional musicians who, like you, teach at the center.  You will work closely with the other instrumentalists who play and teach your instrument, as well as with the núcleo director.  In most ways “El Sistema” works like a good music school anywhere, except the students come every day for three to four or more hours. 

Q:  What will my daily schedule look like? 

A:  In general, your work day should be at the núcleo from 1:00 – 6:00 or 2:00 to 7:00 daily, Monday through Friday and 9:00-2:00 on Saturday.  However, these times are flexible and specific assignments might involve travel and overnight stays to music centers away from your “núcleo”. 

Q:  What will I do at the núcleo?

A:  You will basically be on the music faculty there.  You will have a studio of students that you give weekly individual private music lessons to.  These lessons are about 45 minutes each.  In addition, you will run sectional rehearsals for the students who play your instrument, rehearsing them on the music they are playing in orchestra.  You will also coach chamber music ensembles assigned to you.

Also, remember this is a social action project through music.  An important part of your job will be to recognize the importance in caring about the whole person and in building self-confidence, useful life-skills and positive attitudes in the young musicians with whom you will be working.

Q:  What will be the ages and levels of the students I will teach?

A:  In general the students will be between 13 and 17.  They should be intermediate or high intermediate to advanced players.  Most have been playing their instruments since they were small. 

Q:  What music will they play in the private lessons?

A:  You will teach the students in the traditional way, which should be very comfortable for you, requiring of them scales and arpeggios, etudes and other exercises, and pieces such as sonatas and concertos. 

In particular “El Sistema” would like the volunteers to demand of their students the high level of performance that exists in our top conservatories and music schools in the United States.

Q:  Where do the students get their music and their instruments?

A:  The instruments are provided for the students free of charge.  The music for private lessons as well as the orchestral music is also available and provided for the students.  Chamber music in the general repertoire should be available for the students, but ensembles should bring whatever music they themselves want to practice and perform. 

Q:  How is a day at the núcleo organized for the students who attend?

A:  In general students you will be working with will come after school and work at the núcleo for about four hours.  The first two hours will be sectional rehearsals.  You and the other instrumental teachers who teach your instrument will divide up the players into groups; then you will rehearse your group on the orchestral music they will be playing.   

This period will be followed by two hours of orchestral rehearsal.  During these hours you will teach your students individually.  They will be excused from their orchestral rehearsals to attend their private music lessons.  Also during this time you will coach chamber music ensembles; those students will likewise be excused from their orchestra rehearsals.  You may also pull out students you identify during sectional rehearsals who need extra help. 

Q:  Will I remain at the same núcleo for my entire time in Venezuela?

A: No.  Each ensemble will rotate through all three sponsoring núcleos, remaining at each one for approximately three months.  Volunteers will exchange apartments as they move from one núcleo to the next.  Percussionists  will be assigned to accompany varying ensembles.  Each ensemble will be assigned to a núcleo for a period of three months.  After this each ensemble will rotate to a different núcleo so that at the end of nine months, each ensemble has been to each núcleo. 

By having all the volunteers at each site some time during the academic year, student instrumentalists who play any of the instruments that are played by WorldTeach volunteers will have the opportunity to study with that volunteer. 

Q: Will I only teach and play at the núcleo where I am currently assigned?

A:  No.  You will also be assigned to “tour” other núcleos that are not too distant to the one where you are in residence.  Assignments to do this will be given by your núcleo director.  You will give master classes and performances and also teach private lessons at these outlying núcleos. 

Should your ensemble be asked to go to other núcleos, you will be given additional compensation for meals, and also for hotels, should you be required to spend the night away from your apartment. 

Q: Will I be able to practice?  Will my ensemble be able to rehearse?

A: In general, World Teach volunteer musicians should have the mornings free, until they need to report to the núcleo.  They could use this time to practice and to hold their chamber music rehearsals.  Volunteers may use the núcleo to practice and to rehearse.  Saturday afternoons and Sundays are generally free.

Q:  Will I be performing?

A: Yes!  You will be performing with your ensemble at the central and satellite núcleo centers as requested.  You are also encouraged to seek performance venues and opportunities to enrich local communities.  You may also be requested to perform with other professional music ensembles in the country.

Q: What makes this program so unique?

A: It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity.  El Sistema has received global recognition not only for its social action initiative, but also for fostering excellent musicians.  In May, 2008, the first World Teach volunteers will be sent to teach, but more importantly, learn about this program.  This is a great way to change the world … through sharing music.

Qualifications and Application:

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?

A:  Applicants with Spanish-language skills are preferred, however, Spanish lessons will also be offered in-country.  We recommend you also refresh your Spanish before you leave, either through classes, tapes, or practice with a Spanish speaker.

Q: Do I need to have experience teaching my instrument?

A: No. It is assumed that you have been well-taught by your own teachers, and that you have absorbed much of what it means to be a good teacher from those teachers who have taught you. 

Q: Will I get any training in teaching?

A: There will be a three week orientation training session covering the FESNOJIV teaching system and expectations, curriculum/repertoire teaching, Venezuelan culture, Spanish language, cultural adjustment, health and safety and general country information and logistics.  But you are expected to be able to teach your instrument.

Q: How can I apply to this program?

A: Interested musicians should apply to WorldTeach by downloading the regular WorldTeach application form.  Letters of recommendation from heads and/or coaches of chamber music at your music school will be given heavy consideration. 

In addition to the regular application, interested applicants must submit the following:

• Individually: a recording with a performance of a fast movement and a slow movement of a concerto

• As an ensemble, if already part of a pre-existing group: a recording with a performance of a fast movement and a slow movement

Q: If I have questions about the application process, or anything else, whom do I contact?

A: For general questions regarding the WorldTeach organization, please write to info@worldteach.org; for specific questions regarding the Venezuela Year program, please direct your inquiries to the attention of Executive Director  Helen Claire Sievers.

Financial:

Q: Is there a volunteer participation fee?

A: Yes. Although FESNOJIV contributes a significant portion of the costs of the program there remains a volunteer participation fee of $2,500 per volunteer to cover the remaining costs. 

Q: Will I be paid?

A: As a volunteer you will receive a stipend for the months that you teach of $300.  You will be able to use this money for food and other personal expenses.

Q: How much money should I take?

A:  The amount of spending money you will need is very subjective. It will depend on how much you intend to travel, and the lifestyle you intend to lead.  You will need some spending money for personal costs such as communications with home and social activities, and for paying up-front for medical expenses.  The US State Department states that travelers checks are not recommended as they are honored at only a few locations.  There are also ATM machines throughout the country, but malfunctions are common and they often do not accepted a US- issued debit card.  Some volunteers may also choose to open a bank account in Venezuela, so that their money is safe and can be accessed from most large towns.

Travel:

Q: Does World Teach arrange travel to Venezuela?

A: World Teach arranges travel for each group departing for Venezuela from a departure city in the USA, likely Miami.  The group will meet at the departure city airport and then travel together. The international flight from the departure city to Venezuela is covered by the World Teach program fee, as is the return flight at the end of the program. World Teach purchases round-trip tickets valid for one year at a discounted group rate.  Each volunteer is responsible for getting him/herself to the departure city (usually Miami, but this will be confirmed for your group).  More details of the group flight arrangements will be available about 3 months prior to departure. You will then be asked to confirm your travel plans.  Many volunteers are able to find discounted or teacher/student fare domestic connections from the internet or student travel agencies such as Student Universe or Sta Travel.

Q: Can I make my own travel arrangements?

A:  You may opt out of the World Teach group flight. You should arrange your own flights if you plan to travel in Venezuela before the program starts, or if you do not plan to leave from the United States.  If you do book your own travel to Venezuela you must plan to arrive in Venezuela on or before the date of the group flight's arrival, so that you do not miss any orientation activities. Be sure to buy a ticket that is valid for a full year and has a changeable return date, in case your travel plans should change. Volunteers traveling independently must inform the program manager in writing of their travel plans. If you purchase your own air ticket World Teach will deduct from your program fee the cost of one ticket on our group flight.

Q: Can I come home during the year?

A: As a World Teach volunteer in Venezuela you are an employee of the FESNOJIV and are responsible for teaching full time for the duration of each school term. If you choose to travel home for a visit during the year this should be during school vacations. Any trips home or other personal travel will be at your own expense.

Q: Will there be a chance to travel to other places?

A: You will have opportunities to see different areas of Venezuela. Also, keep in mind that you will be rotating every three months to a different community center and as well as possible opportunities to travel depending on the núcleo administration.  There will also be a winter break when the núcleos are closed from approximately December 15, 2008 until January 5, 2009.