In 2016, we created a new program called Introduction to Music Certification.  It takes three years and is directed towards students aged nine and up.

At present, we give instruction in six instruments:

1) Flute

2) Guitar

3) Mandolin

4) Keyboard

5) Marimba

6) Violin

 

We run classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 2pm until 6pm and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until 12.30 p.m.

 

Our first and second year students receive one hour of instrument classes and one hour of complementary classes per week; third year students receive two hours of instrument classes and one hour of complementary classes. Complementary classes include rhythm, music theory, music history, percussion, and music creation.

 

We have a marimba band, orchestra, and flute band that are comprised of interested students.

 

At the end of every semester, our students give a presentation to their parents, who can see their children’s progress.

 

Our students are invited to perform in different events in El Tejar and other municipalities of Chimaltenango. We also do a presentation when LEAF or PEG groups are visiting us.

 

We are able to run our program thanks to the support of LEAF and PEG, US-based organizations that have supported our project for many years.

In the El Tejar community, there are many children and young people studying in private and public schools. Many have musical interests and talent. Many receive no music education or only music theory, as there are no music teachers. If they receive music classes, they normally learn to play flute and it´s very basic. Students have to pay for Music Academy classes that are only available in Chimaltenango. The cost is at least Q250 per month without for the tuition fee and materials.

 

The music program started in 2007 with PEG Partners providing funds for flute classes. Later, guitar and mandolin classes were added. In 2012, our students were invited to the LEAF Festival in North Carolina where we presented the marimba, our national instrument. In 2013, we received a donated marimba, which allowed us to hold classes.

Erica Elizabeth is 20 years old. She had to give up school in order to work because she comes from a disadvantaged family. The music program visited her this January and invited her to learn how to play the guitar, which had always been a dream she couldn´t afford. We loaned her a guitar she can use to practice at home. After starting classes in our music program, she decided to continue her studies and is now attending secondary school every Sunday.

Erica is very happy to be part of the music program. She says she was not aware of how nice is to study. Even though she considers herself a bit old for studying, she wants to go to high school and become a good guitar player.

She encourages all young people to play an instrument despite their age. She also encourages young people to continue studying; if they don´t have their parents’ support, they can work during the week and study on weekends, as she does.

Ashly Victoria is 10 years old. She comes with her parents from Parramos, another municipality of Chimaltenango. Even though she doesn’t live close to El Tejar, she never misses music classes. She seems to be talented when it comes to music. She sings beautifully and learns to play instruments quickly. After learning to play guitar and mandolin, she wants to learn to play marimba and all the other instruments as well.

Antony Joshua is 11 years old. He started attending classes at the music program two years ago and quickly became one of the best marimba players in our program. He lives in the Santo Domingo suburbs and has to walk half an hour each way.