To Play And Fight - Venezuelan Music Programs
While in United States, schools and programs use sports to improve students as civilians, in Venezuela, the same objective is not only reached, but overcome with the teaching of classical music instruments. Perhaps this might be seen as an unconventional method for someone who isn’t related with the classical culture. However, the discipline it takes to learn an instrument, the team work, solidarity and values gained in orchestral music, and the dedication each musician gives to his instrument and the music keep the Venezuelan youth away from vice and in moral values.
Abreu, founder and leader of the Venezuelan Music Program, said that “music can be accessible to everyone, and its protagonists can not only be children of a tender age, but also of any social class, in other words, it is an art that does not exclude.”
The Venezuelan music program is managed by the government, and it started about 30 years ago. It began with a few musicians with a big dream to change the way how classical music was seen. Orchestral music began as a minority that played for minorities, and then it developed into a minority that played for majorities. However, Venezuelan is making a revolution, and converting orchestral music into majorities that play for majorities. Right now, there are about 120 youth orchestras, and 60 infantile orchestras in all Venezuela, teaching more than 135000 children. At the same time, this method helps improve the life of the poor population, by giving them a chance to overcome themselves, not by giving them money or housing, but by giving them the tools so that they, by themselves, can find their way to these things.
Children as little as 3 years old begin with their training. The audiences that see the results in concerts don’t know how much work and dedication is behind this. However, the students are willing to work hard and give their time to their instrument. By the time they are in the tender age of eight years old, they know more about instrumental technique than some adults studying an instrument. This program also gives an opportunity to those children born with hearing or sight, learning, or other type of disabilities. This program helps these children to feel integrated in the community, and feel as productive beings when they hear the crowd roar after playing or singing a musical piece.
The success of the program was gradual and progressive, but now it has reached a quality, until the point that great masters have recognized that the place with more potential for the growth of classical music is in Venezuela. This program isn’t only promoting music as a social helper in Venezuela, but it is extended to other Latin-American countries, with the objective to reach every country in Latin America. In Panama, many artists from this country travel regularly to give master classes and help promote our musical culture and growth.
Hopefully, soon Latin American countries will be recognized not for our political instability, high poverty rates or corruption, but for our successful music programs used to improve our life quality. A system that began with a few musicians, and is now with more than 135 000 members, is a symbol that music is a viable way to keep the youth in mainstream and away from substance abuse, violence and other factors that stain our communities and countries.