The Nuclei of Youth and Children’s Orchestras of the State of Bahia (Neojibá) is an unprecedented initiative in Brazil of government policy aimed at integrating children and young people irrespective of social class by training them in orchestral and choral music making up to the highest possible standard. The main difference between Neojibá and most artistic enterprises is the intention to foster social integration by avoiding the conservation of the characteristic ghettos of low income areas, encouraging interaction between children and youth from all sections of society. The deployment of Neojibá in Bahia which was organised by the pianist and conductor Ricardo Castro was developed in consultation with FESNOJIV and its ”Sistema” implemented 35 years ago in Venezuela and today acclaimed worldwide as one of the greatest training orchestra successes so far.

Neojibá became established as a cultural priority for the Government of the State of Bahia. In September 2007 public auditions were held, from which 85 young musicians were selected to form the first Neojibá core based at the Teatro Castro Alves in Salvador. From this first orchestra was formed the Youth Orchestra ”2 de Julho” (J2J), and from this a group was chosen to form the first phase of the Experimental Teaching Orchestra. The entry of new members in November 2009 led to the formation of the Orchestra Castro Alves (OCA). During this first phase members who already have experience in music are given specific teacher training in order to act as mentors. As the project develops these mentors instruct new members and participate in setting up new core orchestras in the outskirts of Salvador and the other cities of the State of Bahia. The children and young people are expected to contribute to social and urban development once they learn the idea of responsibility, teamwork, respect and discipline.

In December 2009 the membership of Neojibá had reached 125, and the management was transferred to AOJIN, the first Social and Cultural Organisation for the State, by the process of ‘going public’. With this change the artistic and administrative activities of Neojibá become the responsibility of AOJIN which is funded by the government, and required to comply with the goals agreed in  the Work Plan of Management ,which is the legal instrument governing the partnership. To see the 2010 Work Plan click here.

ORCHESTRAS

The Juvenile Symphony Orchestra (J2J) was formed in September 2007 by the pianist and maestro Ricardo Castro. He was invited in 2007 by the Secretary of Cultural Development of the State of Bahia to found, direct and conduct a Juvenile Orchestra inspired by “El Sistema Venezuela”.

In October 2007 the opening concert of the Orchestra J2J was given under the direction of the Venezuelan maestro Manuel Lopez Gomez, sent for this occasion by FESNOJIV (Fundacion del Estado para el Sistema Nacional de Orquestas Juveniles y Infantiles de Venezuela)

The orchestra is composed of 90 members in the age range between 11 and 25 years.  Under the supervision of Maestro Ricardo Castro they rehearse daily in the Castro Alves Theater of Salvador and regularly engage renowned international musicians for master classes and mentoring. J2J Orchestra has given public performances in several concert halls in Brazil.

In 2009 J2J Orchestra

-          performed in the International Festival of Campos do Jordão, (Sao Paulo State)

-          toured for the first time through the main capitals of the Brazilian Northeast

-      attended an educational exchange program with FESNOJIV in Caracas Venezuela

OCA Orchestra is composed of 50 children in the age range of 9 to 18 years.  Under the supervision of maestro Ricardo Castro and the direction of Ivana Dudnik, with two mentors and coordinators of J2J.The members of the orchestra are actively engaged in a continuous study programme.

The OCA Orchestra given public performances in Salvador on various occasions. Yuri Azevedo, who is the percussionist of the J2J Orchestra is their conductor.

The name of the orchestra was chosen after a text of Doris Leandra, flautist of the J2J Orchestra  - click here to read