In 1975, a small band of idealistic friends in Venezuela led by José Antonio Abreu gathered to improve the lives of Venezuela’s youth through the power of music through an organization called El Sistema. They found an abandoned garage to use as a practice space and invited families to bring their children that weekend to join a new youth orchestra. 40 years later, the movement has now grown to serve over 750,000 children annually through a national network of music centers and orchestras and has inspired an international movement in over 50 countries.

Planning for BRAVO Youth Orchestras began in 2011. The organization researched existing music and youth enrichment programs, contacted leaders of the El Sistema movement, and visited programs in several states. In 2013, the organization decided to form a new non-profit with a dual mission of effective social service and rigorous music education. The organization secured initial funding from Dr. Bonnie Reagan and her husband Dr. Peter Reagan and the Vibrant Village Foundation which helped them secure their founding location at Rosa Parks School. The first 40 students enrolled in the After-school Program made paper violins at a party on September 21, 2013.

Today, BRAVO Youth Orchestras has expanded its mission to include other performing arts avenues that it believes helps disadvantaged children nurture their passions and talents while moving towards a light of success. As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation that began with a goal of providing after-school and in-school music programs to students in grades K-8, Bravo is on a mission to continue expanding its reach and inclusion efforts in Northern Portland through meaningful scholastic partnerships, community programs, and youth leadership developmental opportunities.