Visiting Escuela 23 del Distrito Escolar

Wednesday morning, WYSO visited Escuela 23 del Distrito Escolar 19.  The elementary age students come from the most desperate of circumstances, many living in tin or cardboard shacks.  There were approximately 150 students and some family members that came to the concert.  The schools are on winter break but this was a special opportunity that many made a special visit to the school to hear the concert.  Mrs. Eckel spoke Spanish to the audience first asking if any had ever heard live orchestra.  Most had not.  Then she introduced each instrument and asked our kids to play a bit so the students could hear each individual sound.  We played Candide, a movement of the Milburn, movements 3 and 4 of Tchaikovsky and the Malambo.  Mr. Smith invited a young lady to conduct the Ginastera.  Also we wore our WYSO tshirts and Mr. Smith wore his Argentina jacket to conduct.  This was very well received.  


After the concert, there was a question and answer period and our WYSO members were able to talk with all the kids.  Then we all went out to the playground and played basketball and soccer with the kids.  The moms prepared sandwiches for us as well.  I have to say that this concert was a most moving experience for all of us.  It was definitely a highlight of this trip and we left feeling like we had really made a difference in their lives.  Andrea our concert organizer said that a couple of the kids came up to her after and expressed an interest in learning an instrument.  The director of the school requested that we send a WYSO t´shirt that they can frame and hang in the school.  The adults also took up a collection to purchase the school a boom box so they can listen to music.  

The entire WYSO organization and parents of these outstanding young WYSO members can be so proud of the transformative impact that we made on young lives by sharing our music.  It was an unforgettable morning that will never be forgotten.