Music called to future conductor, Gustavo Dudamel, at an early age. Though his family could not afford music lessons, Dudamel did what thousands of children in Venezuela do. He went to one of the hundreds of music schools of the National System of Children and Youth Orchestras of Venezuela. Founded in the 1970s by pioneering musician and economist José Antonio Abreu, this mentoring system, called El Sistema, provides children of poverty a path off the streets and an opportunity to learn music through individual lessons and ensemble orchestras. Through El Sistema, young Dudamel quickly responded to the nurturing atmosphere, the demanding work, and the joy of learning and playing orchestral music. More than 80 communities in cities and towns across the U.S. have adapted the El Sistema concept to the cultures and needs of their students. While music is the pathway, El Sistema's larger goal is to develop responsible, joyful, and contributing citizens to their local communities. El Sistema made it possible for Dudamel and many other exceptional musicians from Venezuela to find opportunities in the orchestral circuit around the world. Now here in the U.S. and around the world, it is possible for thousands of children and young people who may not otherwise pursue a career in music to pursue full and dignified lives, achieve success in fields they care about, and draw upon music to enrich their lives and those of others. A sidebar presents a list of El Sistema values.