As cliche as it sounds, it is true that life is unfair. People are not immune to heartbreak, anger or disappointment. Whatever the situation may be, all hope is not lost, as a remedy exists to alleviate difficult circumstances, music. José Antonio Abreu, a Venezuelan economist and composer, knew the importance music plays in bringing hope and joy to people who may be underprivileged. As explained in a TED video, in 1975, Abreu created “El Sistema” (The System) to help “Venezuelan kids take part in classical music.” Abreu used music to enable “kids from impoverished circumstances achieve their full potential and learn values that favor their growth.” Abreu is just one of a few who have dedicated their lives to exposing such wonders of musical imagination. Abreu’s idea crossed borders, with other cities and countries creating similar programs, El Paso being one of them.
Ruth Ellen Jacobson, executive director of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra (EPSO), in 2013, founded the Tocando Music Project, aimed at empowering children faced with challenging socioeconomic conditions in El Paso and the surrounding area, transforming their lives through the beauty of music. Tocando’s approach towards music and children mirrors Abreu’s El Sistema. As Tocando’s website describes, “Tocando is an after- school program that provides music learning and performing opportunities to elementary and middle school students in El Segundo Barrio.” Hart Elementary School is the first and longest- running school to provide children a safe environment to explore musical creativity, encouraging them to do better academically. The program’s devotion and involvement at Hart Elementary have spread to other elementary and middle schools throughout the city, such as Guillen Middle School, and as far out as Tornillo, Texas.
It is worthwhile and quite telling to know the significance of the name “Tocando.” The word “tocar” is Spanish for “touch” or “play.” Once resident conductor for the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, Andy Moran stated in a YouTube video, “The words ‘tocando’ and ‘tocar’ [mean], first ‘to play,’ like to play an instrument. The second is ‘to touch,’ and so when the symphony was developing this program, these two definitions came together – to touch people’s lives through music, and that’s what Tocando does.” The word is simple yet meaningful because El Paso has a rich Mexican culture, and the two meanings of “tocar” play a role in reminding people what the program is about.
Image caption: Tocando Students rehearsing (Photo courtesy of El Paso Symphony Orchestra)
The Manhattan Institute in New York noticed Tocando’s impact on the El Paso community, honoring it among five recipients with the 2020 Civil Society Award. On October 29, 2020, the Manhattan Institute posted a virtual award ceremony celebrating the five recipients, each with a $25,000 prize. The event is an admirable milestone, recognizing the city for putting its community first. KTSM 9 News stated, “Winners were selected from nearly 200 nominations from 37 states and 107 cities around the country.” The Civil Society Award has been an important recognition for El Paso and the program. It symbolizes how the city used musical creativity and compassion to move the community forward. Although Tocando is not the only program in El Paso to dedicate itself to teaching children the fundamentals of music, the program has been a supportive source for disadvantaged children, helping them become more knowledgeable and disciplined while strengthening their hearts through music.
When children touch an instrument for the first time, one can see the fascination and curiosity grow in their eyes, a feeling that could last a lifetime. Tocando values small moments like this. For example, Agustín, an El Pasoan who was part of the six-to-10 age group in Tocando, saw his musical ability and personal life improve since he joined the program. In a YouTube video posted by EPSO, Agustín plays the violin, swaying back and forth to the rhythm of the music. His eyes are noticeably fixated on the sheet music and hypnotized by the notes in front of him. Remarkably, Agustín was once described as a “very difficult kid” by Karen Peters, El Sistema Program Coordinator at the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra. Peters stated that Agustín experienced “a lot of difficulties emotionally. He would go out to recess and he would get upset about something, and he would just shut down entirely.” Agustín’s parents also described him as “shy” and not being “friendly.” The extent of his change surprised his parents as he continued with the program. Agustín’s father stated that “his dedication to this class, it’s been very surprising to me. I wasn’t expecting that much from him... If you ask me, he keeps getting better [and] it’s been very beneficial for him.” Peters also noticed Agustín’s improvements, proudly describing him as a leader and a teacher for other students who “doesn’t shut down emotionally.” Tocando provided more than just music lessons to entertain Agustín. It taught him to be a confident role model for others, a life skill he will carry throughout his life.
Agustín not only benefited from his teachers, who guided him through his musical journey, but he served as a mentor to other children who had similar backgrounds. Tocando changed Agustín’s life and the lives of other children as well, guiding them musically and personally, and continues to do so today.
Tocando’s influence is spreading all over the city, as more children are experiencing increased engagement and growth in self-esteem. In an El Paso Inc. news story “Touching Lives with El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s Tocando,” the program is noted as more than just a music school but as an essential part of the community’s growth. Carol Viescas, the article’s author, introduced two students who have drastically changed their troublesome habits because of Tocando. Viescas wrote about Marlene, describing her as a timid kid who “didn’t say more than a few words,” and about Yair, characterized as a troubled kid who “confronted classmates on the playground.” Marlene’s father, Jesus Lorenzo Suistaita, stated, “Before Tocando, when we asked Marlene ‘How was your day?’ she’d say [it was], ‘Oh, all right.’ Now she gets home after practice [and] she has a great attitude and tells us everything she did.” Because Marlene believed in herself, her grades improved, and she is “more confident and outgoing.” Learning how to play music is a wonderful experience, but more importantly, though, is witnessing how the children’s eyes shine brighter when they finally acquire confidence in themselves and feel like what they are doing is worth continuing on that path of growth and improvement.
Like Marlene, Yair experienced personal problems. Jessie O’Hara, Tocando Program Director in Tornillo, stated, “I told him, ‘I need you to understand, in the rest of your life, you are responsible for caring for yourself. But when you come to the classrooms, it’s my job. My job is to look after you. Your job is to learn. If someone is a problem, come to me.’” This encouragement led to Yair winning the Most Improved Award, changing his attitude and perspective within himself. Tocando faculty teach more than rhythms and beats. They are mentors and influencers who guide children to explore creativity, problem-solve, and develop leadership and teamwork, critical life skills.
Image caption: Tocando students with Itzhak Perlman (Photo courtesy of El Paso Symphony Orchestra)
Peters stated that “What you won’t hear is what’s behind the scenes. Not only have these children learned to play music together in an orchestra, but they have also learned to support each other as friends and build a community that emphasizes communication, unity and expression of beauty.” The environment that Tocando creates stimulates students to step out of their comfort zone, learn from one another and get them involved outside of their bubble. It simultaneously creates a ripple effect of positivity and encouragement to do better. For example, in 2015, Tocando took 16 second-year students to California, selected to participate in the prestigious Arrowbear Music Camp, all of them becoming “camp scholars,” stated Cindy Graff Cohen, columnist for El Paso Inc. Although young, these children are moving up the ladder of success, pushing themselves to do better and believing every challenge is worth the fight.
While Tocando has proven itself a success, dedicating its resources to teaching children, the program exemplifies that education can be used as entertainment to break from stressful or negative environments the children may personally face. For instance, Tocando invited Grammy Award winner Zuill Bailey (see article on Zuill Bailey in this issue of Borderlands) to Guillen Middle school to show and teach kids the cello and musical techniques. As seen in a video posted on Tocando’s Facebook page, Bailey mesmerizes the class with his musical ability. The children “ooh” and “ahh” at Bailey’s performance. He resonates with the kids, asking them if they know the anatomical parts of the cello, demonstrating how to create music. The class, highly engaged by Bailey’s lessons, enjoy his teachings, clapping, tapping, and occasionally dancing throughout the video. The kids smile from ear to ear and laugh, expressing their joy of learning something new.
Tocando provides musical concerts that the kids may participate in, performing in front of their parents and loved ones. In a 2016 showcase event, Tocando partnered with the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra (EPSYO) to perform in front of “2,000 other El Pasoans sitting in the packed Plaza Theatre,” said Graff Cohen in her El Paso Inc. article “Sounds of the Future.” The number of people who showed up to the kids’ performance displays their support and appreciation for those who participated in helping student performers and teachers. At that very moment when the performers walked on stage and settled in their seats, nothing mattered but them and their music. They became bigger than any famous musical artist, rock stars for their loved ones to see. In performances like this, parents and loved ones are equally awed by how talented their children have become. Maybe words are not enough to describe how proud audiences are of the kids but standing ovations show gratitude for the program and the performers.
Indeed, Tocando touches lives, but it is not alone in its mission of making music accessible to children citywide. Other programs and schools, such as the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra, El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future, El Paso Music Learning Corner, and the El Paso Conservatory of Music are some that have dedicated their time and resources to teaching children music, paving the way to making them, as Tocando does, successful musically and personally. Each program maintains its unique style of educating and showcasing entertainment for the youth.
The El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra has four orchestras that perform each year for the city. From entry-level musicians to more advanced performers, the orchestras consist of El Paso Youth String Philharmonic (EPYSP), El Paso Youth String Ensemble (EPYSE), El Paso Youth Symphony (EPYS), and El Paso Youth Orchestra (EPYO). On EPSYO’s website one can find the audition requirements youth musicians must meet before auditioning and being selected and placed in the appropriate orchestra. EPSYO allows students to work together and perform in front of live audiences. Practices vary for each orchestra; however, it’s worth joining the program as kids get to meet new people every year and make new friends.
EPSYO’s involvement with the youth has benefited its students beyond musical teachings. As states EPSO’s website, “In our 12-year history, 100% of our high school seniors have graduated and gone to attend college, often on scholarships secured through EPSYO’s events.” It’s no surprise that EPSYO has a high success rate with its students, as they are constantly surrounded by mentors who value their growth and encourage them to reach beyond their comfort zone. Dave Acosta, author of “Concerts Unite Young El Paso, Juarez Musicians,” in the El Paso Times, introduced a concert that EPSYO and the Mexico Youth Philharmonic Orchestra planned to perform together. James Welch, a director for EPSYO and ensemble’s conductor, stated, “We wanted (the pieces being performed) to reflect the diversity of the groups being brought together.” These concerts help kids to see the value of working together to create something meaningful. It motivates them to learn from one another through each new musical experience. Welch further said that “students receive several hours of instruction each week and participate in four performances each year, including the Side by Side concert with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.”
Image caption: Tocando students rehearsing at Christmas (Photo courtesy of El Paso Symphony Orchestra)
Side by Side is an annual concert partnered by EPSYO and EPSO where the orchestras play and practice side by side with each other. To illustrate, EPYSP rehearses and performs with EPYSE, while EPYSE does the same with EPYS and so on. A lower and the next higher leveled orchestra practice and perform together until EPYO and EPSO hit the stage for a wowing end to the night, with the highest-level students playing side by side with the professional musicians in EPSO. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn from other musicians who are at the next higher skillset than they are. They have someone to look up to, especially someone who plays the same instrument and has a bit more experience.
Similarly, the El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) offers various opportunities youth can participate in, such as the Ambassador Leadership Program, Annual Concerts, Competitions for Young Musicians, Instruments for Young Lives, and the Original Music/New Ideas (OM/NI) program. Each program, engaging and rewarding, has its own mission in helping every child succeed. The Ambassador Leadership Program teaches leadership skills to become the voice of the program. Students can post their music and ideas on EPSMF’s social media platforms, such as Facebook or YouTube. For example, in a YouTube video John Esparza, one of the Ambassador leaders at EPSMF, virtually reached out to his community and explained his thoughts about classical music in the modern world. This type of awareness provides musicians a chance to connect with their community and learn to be examples for others. Students who participate as ambassadors also have the opportunity to help by performing in front of charities and organizations, like the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Child Crisis Center of El Paso, Carolina Recreational Center and others. Competitions are available for musicians of all ages eight to 18 for a chance to win cash prizes. Winners selected at these events, no matter the instruments played, can perform in EPSMF’s annual concerts.
Equally, the Instruments for Young Lives and OM/NI programs challenge students to become the best versions of themselves. Yearly, Instruments for Young Lives awards new instruments to three musicians, ages eight to 18, who have proven to the community they are dedicated musically and academically. The OM/NI program provides a chance for young musicians (ages nine to 25) to be as creative as possible, conducting and performing original music in El Paso theatres. Selected winners also have a chance to win cash prizes and record their original music for all audiences to enjoy. What fun for all involved!
The El Paso Conservatory of Music (EPCM), another classical music school, offers students various programs to participate in as well. According to the EPCM website, musicians can choose where to get their lessons, from private lessons to group lessons, such as summer programs. EPCM has other programs that explore deeper beyond instrumental lessons, as in the Music Skills Group Classes, where students learn and develop “oral, written, and theoretical music concepts.” EPCM doesn’t shy away from anyone, offering adult classes to teach music fundamentals while building a community where all musicians belong. Exciting news for music lovers of all ages.
Children who prefer a one-to- one environment can join the El Paso Music Learning Corner (EPMLC). It is all about the performance. EPMLC’s website states, “the best way for a parent to understand if their investment in lessons is really worth it is to have their child participate in a recital. In June and December, many of our students choose to perform in our biannual recitals.” Students of any age, including the elderly, can sign up to learn various musical instruments, furthering the community’s musical creativity. The music school is based on month-to- month lessons instead of year-long or semester-long lessons, so students learn at a slower pace if needed.
Image caption: Tocando students (Photo courtesy of El Paso Symphony Orchestra)
Of course, not every musician plays an instrument. Singing programs and schools are available for any interested youth. Sound Stage 9 (SS9), for example, helps youths participate and practice vocalization. SS9’s webpage outlines a variety of “music programs, including online classes, to accommodate students with various skill levels and different ages.” This music school is eclectic, as it branches out to different genres of music. From classical to pop, students are exposed to a variety of genres. Just like the other programs, SS9 offers opportunities for students to perform in front of live audiences. Although SS9 dedicates itself to teaching vocals, they provide piano, guitar, bass, drum, ukulele, and violin lessons.
As impressive as these programs are, children don’t have to sign up for specific programs or music schools to become successful musicians or learn other life skills that the other programs provide. Elementary, middle, and high school orchestras and bands are available for kids to participate in, an option that is easier for parents. Some independent school districts partner with EPSYO or Tocando to help kids challenge themselves in competitions and orchestra events, giving students a chance to compete and meet students from their community to perform and play together. Similar contests, such as choir and band classes, are available in every school district. There are dedicated music teachers in every school who help direct a path for success in every student they teach. For example, Diana Gilliland taught string orchestra at El Paso High School and Wiggs Middle school for over thirty years. She created a summer orchestra program for students of all ages. According to Texas Orchestra Directors Association, Gilliland had “superior ratings” for competitions she led when conducting her orchestra. She even partnered with EPSYO to let her students expand their musical abilities, create friendships, and encouraged middle and high school students to join music programs.
Music, essential in people’s lives, is a therapeutic and entertaining source of enjoyment. No matter where people get their musical lessons, music has improved children’s mental state, academic studies and more. John Rampton, the author of the El Paso Inc. article “The Benefits of Playing Music Help Your Brain More than Any Other Activity,” stated, “Science has shown that musical training can change the brain structure and function for the better. It can also improve long- term memory and lead to better brain development for those who start at a young age.” Rampton also argued that music “strengthens bonds with others, strengthens memory and reading skills,” and most importantly, “reduces stress and depression,” and “makes you happy.” In another study produced by Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers found that music provides a “total brain workout” that reduces “blood pressure and pain, as well improves sleep quality, mood, [and] mental alertness.” It appears Abreu had it right all along with El Sistema.
Tocando, EPSYO, and other music programs are benefiting every student who walks through their doors. If music programs help our youth, what happens later when they grow up and don’t continue with music professionally? Disha Ganjegunte, a former EPSYO student and Girl Scout, took her experiences and lessons from these programs and put them into action. In a 2021 op-ed for the El Paso Herald Post, she stated that “through my participation in OST (Out of School) programs, I was motivated to continue my education at Texas Tech University and dedicate time to my community by becoming a Girl Scout volunteer and an ambassador with the UMC Volunteer Corps program. The lessons I learned both in the Girl Scouts and El Paso Symphony – to stay organized, to be courageous, and to stay motivated – have helped me excel in my studies.”
Image caption: Tocando students (Photo courtesy of El Paso Symphony Orchestra)
Every program, music teacher, and volunteer who goes into the classrooms every day to teach our youth are the very reason why the children of our beautiful Sun City are happy and proud of themselves. The various music programs around our city give children and families hope for their future, keeping our children healthy and happy.
A musical revolution is occurring in El Paso, teaching more than just music. It’s bringing children together to enjoy each other’s company, listening and learning from one another. In a way, every note produced by a child or youth in El Paso gets them one measure closer to a disciplined, responsible and united adulthood.
Handbook of Texas Music
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