Orchestral initiation program that stimulates children, between 2 and 6 years of age, through the collective practice of music, instrumental performance and singing.
It was created by the Venezuelan teacher Josbel Puche in 2005, who worked with a group of children of limited resources in Nucleo La Rinconada from El Sistema, in Venezuela, developed the idea, supported by the creativity and enthusiasm of the parents, to design cardboard instruments with papier-mâché technique in real size.
The child – instrument connection is established playfully through songs composed by the profesor Puche, which are the backbone of this program.
The Paper Orchestra is the conductive thread of all of Josbel Puche’s orchestral initiation work.This consists of four parts: musical initiation, which starts from the musical stimulation; the rhythmic band, rhythmic assemblies begin to be created; Paper Orchestra; and the transition between the paper instruments and the real instrument, which starts with Puche’s 13 songs designed to start playing the instrument.
The Paper Orchestra consists only of strings stringed instruments: violins, violas, cello, and double bass. These instruments do not sound, so through songs the children acquire the basis of orchestral discipline, the handling of the instrument, the development of their rhythmic, melodic, harmonic ear and their early emotional intelligence: respect and listen to the other.
These instruments of complex technique, which have been developed in molds created by Josbel Puche, require a lot of dedication and discipline. They adapt to the size of each of the children.
Paper Orchestra around the world
The Paper Orchestra program is being implemented in different countries around the world with important results for the development of the base of children’s and youth orchestras.
Social impact
- Children have their first opportunity to become familiar with their instruments, which are very similar to real ones.
- Children have the opportunity to know and explore the paper instruments before having a real one. There is no risk of breaking it or deteriorating.
- It promotes the integration of the family and the knowledge of the activity carried out by the child, thus acquiring a sense of commitment to them and the institution.
- Strengthens family integration.
