# Cedar Park: Music Program Proves Instrumental to Young Students

The major budget cuts the School District of Philadelphia had to endure had a direct impact on music and art programs throughout the schools. [![BurrellFall14CedarPark04](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/25221358/BurrellFall14CedarPark04-300x147.jpg)](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/25221358/BurrellFall14CedarPark04.jpg)Established in 2011 at St. Francis De Sales School, Play On, Philly! has been able to provide students with another way to learn musical instruments in a school setting. Play On, Philly! has now expanded to a second site at Freire Charter Middle School and now reaches students ages 6 to 13. Influenced by the [El Sistema](https://elsistemausa.org/) music education program in Venezuela, Play On, Philly! has reached many students in Philadelphia and continues to do so. *Text, video and images by Courtney Burrell*