Music Classes in the Amazon for 30 Students

The music program has been moving forward nicely with the dedication of students and the teacher, Jose Estrems at the CONAPAC library.  The afternoons have been focused on the main branch, called Palmeras branch, and the mornings have focused on the second branch, called Sapo Playa branch.  The Sapo Playa branch successfully coordinated with a nearby school to incorporate the students during the school schedule into the music program.  Jose is teaching their group to form a chorus, including lessons on music theory.  

The instruments have steadily been streaming into the library.  Kind people have brought them down from the USA, and one has bought one here in Peru.  We still need many more to provide instruments to everyone in the program, so we are first focusing on those most dedicated and talented.  Those who are waiting to receive an instrument are practicing plastic flutes or singing, however, everyone is actively learning music theory.

Two of the instruments donated actually came from a music store in the USA. These were given to the store owner with the desire that they be given a good home. When a CONAPAC donor asked the store owner if he could help, he quickly thought of the instruments to be donated. I encourage others to also ask their local music store owners to consider donating instruments. If you are successful, let us known and we'll connect you with someone planning on visiting us in Peru to bring down the instruments.

Our vision for this program is to enhance culture in the area. As a result of conquest and terrorism, much of the culture here was decimated, causing a lack in cultural arts like music. If we can successfully teach kids to play music, and nurture their habit of playing music, they could be the next music teachers in this region, encouraging birth of a cultural art. The cultural arts give passion to life. They uplift, inspire, and build neural networks. Kids that practice music have shown improvement in overall academic performance. I've heard that Winston Churchill once was asked something along the lines of, "Why don't we save money by cutting the schools' music program?" To which he replied, "Then what would be the point of it all?"

Music as a cultural art defines us. It gives us expression and character. It allows us to shine. It makes us happy. Building a music program in the library brings this potential into the lives of these kids, and into the society of the rural Amazon. They are already a beautiful people. This direction could allow them to channel their beauty into a lovely expression.