For ECoSistema parent Bertha Arreola, bringing the community together to support a cause you care about is second nature. Bertha, a longtime ECoSistema parent, shared that in her experience growing up in Mexico, when the community saw a need, everyone would pitch in and offer what they could – whether making food, offering their time, […]
ECoSistema welcomes new staff members
This year ECoSistema saw tremendous growth in our team of staff. With the launch of new program sites and the expansion of existing programs, ECoSistema was delighted to welcome new interns and Teaching Artists to the team. Strings program – Boys & Girls Club of Goshen The string orchestra program at the Boys & Girls […]
Youth mariachi program launched at Goshen College
A mariachi program for Elkhart County youth In fall 2023, a new community music program took root at Goshen College: Mariachi ECo, a string ensemble exploring traditional mariachi music. A youth mariachi program for Elkhart County youth had been a longtime dream for Gilberto Perez, Vice President for Student Life, Hispanic Serving Initiatives, and Dean […]
ECoSistema receives generous instrument donation
The late Otto Warkentin owned and operated Wayne Strings in Fort Wayne, Indiana for over four decades. Now, thanks to a generous donation in his memory by Otto’s family, instruments from his shop have found a new home in the hands of students in the ECoSistema music program. Byron Warkentin, son of Louetta and the […]
ECoSistema offers new drumming program at Bashor Children’s Home
At Bashor Children’s Home, the sound of drums echoes down the hallway every Wednesday afternoon. Thanks to a new partnership between Bashor and Goshen College, ECoSistema has launched weekly drumming classes for students at the Bashor Alternative School. ECoSistema Lead Teaching Artist Kent Dutchersmith teaches classes with ten teenage boys and several Bashor staff members. […]