A rich partnership
Amplifying community wide learning
"Sistema Tulsa and Tulsa Public Schools are actively working together to connect and amplify efforts and to be able to show that music in particular can be a source of encouragement and inspiration to young students. We are thinking broadly about how music creates pathways for resilience, community, and enjoyment in their lives."
Participating schools: Booker T. Washington HS, Carver MS, East Central HS, Edison MS, Memorial MS, Monroe Demonstration School, McLain High School, Thoreau Demonstration Academy, Will Rogers MS and HS, and the Sistema Community Youth Orchestras.
Participating teachers: Brian Gault, Jack Mason, Kim Cardwell, Debra Morgan, Aubrey Allen, and Rebecca Kang. Alex O’Boyle-Ince, Matt Lollman, Joe Metzer, Adrian Frank, Crista McAlester, Melissa Lamb, Donna Casey, Christine Hulbert, and Alexander Hailey.
The Sistema Tulsa Partner Schools Program, in collaboration with Tulsa Public Schools (TPS), brings experienced Sistema Tulsa faculty into TPS schools to co-teach and enhance existing orchestra or band programs—at no cost to the district. This initiative prioritizes underserved school communities and aims to strengthen music education through a co-teaching model with Sistema faculty and certified TPS educators.
Program Overview
Co-Teachers from Sistema Tulsa provide up to 4 hours per week of in-school support.
Instruction includes sectionals, small group lessons, ensemble support, and mentorship alongside TPS music teachers.
Services are tailored to the school’s needs and available on a once or twice-weekly basis.
Objectives
Enhance foundational music techniques for beginner students.
Reduce class sizes and improve classroom management.
Encourage instructional collaboration and feedback.
Organize collective performances such as Festival Orchestra and Capstone Projects.
Support recruitment for Sistema Tulsa’s Main Hub after-school programs.
Promote Sistema’s social-action through music philosophy.
Participation Process
Schools initiate participation by notifying the TPS Fine Arts Content Manager.
A brief 20-minute consultation is held with Sistema Tulsa and TPS to set expectations and goals.
Upon agreement, co-teachers are placed, and the partnership is confirmed via email.
Teacher Expectations
Collaboration: TPS and Sistema teachers align lesson plans, offer mutual feedback, and co-create an effective teaching environment.
Evaluation: Teachers participate in periodic surveys to help measure program impact.
Recruitment: TPS teachers assist in connecting students with Sistema Tulsa’s Main Hub programs and may also take part in these paid opportunities.
Special Performances:
Festival Orchestra: A joint rehearsal and performance in the Spring that brings up to 180 young musicians and their teachers to collaborate and learn together.
Optional Capstone Project: A custom performance or recital showcasing the school’s musical growth and collaboration.