Music helping save the lives of Wayuu children

MUSIC IN TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS AND EDUCATORS

The Wayuu Taya Nucleus and its ongoing music program have continued to enrich the lives of children and young people through music during this period. All programs, from the orchestral to the Alma Llanera program, have made noticeable progress.

Over these three months, the children were prepared for the Mother's Day tribute concert, which took place at the Mojan auditorium.

Additionally, the nucleus teachers have scheduled new auditions to fill vacant positions.

In April, four children from the Wayuu Taya nucleus who are part of the state choir with members from various groups in Zulia, participated in a vocal technique workshop under the Direction of teacher Linda Marin Carpio.

Concert in Tribute to Mothers

After all the dedicated work, we are pleased to celebrate with El Sistema, the beautiful event offered by the children of the Wayuu Taya Nucleus in tribute to mothers, at the Castor Emilio Almarza Theater, in San Rafael del Moján.

More than 200 children from the Nucleus Wayuu Taya, including the members of the Orchestra, offered a repertoire that included the Royal Lion March from the play El Carnaval de los Animales by Camile Saint-Saens, the Himno de la Alegría, Happy Blues by Robert Frost and the Merengue del Primer Dedo by Carlos Medrano, among other songs rehearsed for this special occasion. Attendees also enjoyed the talent of the children of the Alma Llanera Program, the Symphonic Choir, and the performance of the children of the Ancestral Music Program that promotes the Wayúu culture.

The Direction was in charge of Professor Yanina Albornoz, Director of the Wayuu Taya Nucleus, and Professor Rafael Patete, Director of the Zulia Symphonic Choir.

The Wayuu Taya Foundation provided transportation, hydration, snacks, and paramedical support. 

Thanks to constant work and discipline, this was a new example of how music can change the lives of children living in extreme poverty. 

Celebrating with a Concert End Of School Year

In June, the Wayuu Taya Nucleus celebrated the end of the school year with a big concert at the Tepichi Talashi school. This event honored the teachers from the ten schools where the 259 students study. These young musicians, from different programs like orchestral, choral, Alma Llanera, ancestral music, and music introduction, showed off their talents in a beautiful performance. The atmosphere was lively, filled with pride and happiness as each note played, showing students' and teachers' hard work and dedication.

The school directors were pleased to see how much their students have learned and how they have become part of the Wayuu Taya Nucleus family. This progress in learning music; also shows a journey that is improving their lives. The concert was more than just an end-of-year celebration; it showed the power of music education in bringing the community together and helping the students grow. The teachers who work hard to support these young talents were honored for their commitment. The event highlighted how music and education together are making a big difference in the lives of these children and youth, giving them new opportunities and helping them connect with their cultural heritage.

Join us in our mission to empower and transform the lives of children and youth in the Guajira subregion through the power of music. Your support can help us expand our reach and preserve the rich indigenous culture of the Wayuu people. Together, we can make a real impact on the lives of these children and their communities. 

We thank our allies, volunteers, and donors for their consistent support and trust in our program. With your help, we can create opportunities and hope for the region's children and youth while preserving the Wayuu people's cultural heritage. We are so happy to continue our work and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Links:

• https://youtu.be/S5pWzIGUXuA

In the four months since our last report in November, the National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras and Choirs of Zulia, in alliance with the Wayuu Taya Foundation, has created a series of impactful musical activities that have significantly enriched the Wayuu community. This period witnessed the Choral Encounter, the release of "To the Bone" in homage to the Wayuu indigenous culture, and the unifying "O'jutkjaa" End of Year Concert, each event demonstrating the talent and dedication of the participating children and teens. Additionally, the beginning of music classes at the Wayuu Taya Nucleus in January represents a promising start to the new year, opening doors to endless possibilities for over 220 eager young musicians. Let's celebrate the milestones achieved and the continuous efforts to promote musical education and cultural appreciation among the youth of the Venezuelan Guajira, all made possible through the support of our community, educators, and generous donors.

Choral Encounter: Uniting voices through music

The National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras and Choirs of Zulia organized, on November 30, through the Mara Nucleus, the Choral Encounter, where 91 children from the pre-youth choir of the Wayuu Taya Nucleus debuted. The repertoire included Santo—De la Misa VII by Beatriz Corona, Larens Nights by Juan Barrios, Our Father with Music by Manuel Soler, and Sí San Pedro se Muriera, with music by Alberto Grau.

The event was at the Castor Emilio Almarza Theater, where the Choir of the University of Zulia, Son Amarza Vocal Ensemble, TEMPO Vocal Group, and Mara Nucleus Vocal Group were also present.

Release of the song "To the Bone."

We are grateful for the tribute dedicated to the Wayuu indigenous culture with the launch of the musical production: "Hasta los huesos."

The video of the piece, written by the Venezuelan composer Ali Ochoa, was recorded in the Apüna Farm and its surroundings. Traditional elements such as The Kaasha were performed by the children of the ancestral music department and their teacher, Carlos Amaya. 

It is a detailed and harmonious work produced by Harold Montero, filmed by PREDA of Gold Riddims, and edited by Otto Scheuren. Through symbology, dance, and theater, it immerses us in the daily lives and leadership of indigenous women.

The Wayuu soloist Francis Fonseca performed the interpretation, accompanied by a new Choir directed by Teacher Leandra Hernández from El Proyecto Ritmo y Creatividad Fiore for the arts we carry out in Mara.

We thank the Tamare community for their logistical support in preparing the locations and our volunteers for making it possible.

O'jutkjaa: End of Year Concert

"O'jutkajaa" in Wayuunaiki, which means unity, was the Concert that The System of Youth and Children's Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela, Wayúu Taya Nucleus, offered on December 5, 2023, at the Castor Emilio Almarza Theater in San Rafael de El Mojan. This showcase filled us with joy. Two hundred children who are part of the nucleus founded by The System in collaboration with the Wayúu Tayá Foundation, on this occasion, brought us a Christmas repertoire under the direction of Professor Yanina Albornoz and Professor Rafael Patete, teachers of the Wayúu Tayá Nucleus. It was an afternoon of music and gratitude. We are proud of our children's performance.

Starting Classes

Happy for our children with the start of music classes at the Wayuu Taya Nucleus this January 15. With great excitement, more than 220 children began a new year of music and hope. New auditions are being held for the different programs that make up the nucleus, with the participation of enthusiastic children who aspire to be part of the collective practice of music through the Coral, Orchestral, Alma Llanera, and Ancestral Music programs.

Thanks to your support, we've reached goals that give new chances to Wayuu kids and teens from vulnerable areas in the Venezuelan Guajira. Please keep helping us bring opportunities and hope to them and make a difference in their lives.