El Paso’s 6th Annual Music & Arts Conservatory Celebrates Young Talent
Since The Salvation Army’s early days in London, music ministry has been integral to worship and fellowship in its churches and communities. In El Paso, Texas, this tradition continues through The Salvation Army's annual summer music and arts program. Although this program began with corps children in its first year, it has grown every year since, now welcoming children from shelters and the broader community alike.
This year marked a significant milestone for The Salvation Army of El Paso as over 30 students joined the sixth annual Music & Arts Conservatory.
Salvation Army camps and institutes have shown the impact music can have in youth ministry. “That is what this conservatory is about,” says Major Eloisa Estrada, commanding officer. “We wanted this program to be a blessing for all the children, to create lasting memories beyond the summer, and to build a strong foundation for the future.” Daily activities began with a morning devotional, then moved through snacks, music classes, lunch, and recess, with exciting field trips every Friday.
After four weeks of music and arts education, students performed in band, choir, drama, and guitar ensembles at the graduation concert held on Sunday, July 7. Highlights of the morning included the band selection “Cielito Lindo,” a dramatic interpretation of “The Good Samaritan,” and the choir’s performance of “Every Move I Make.” Several acts included solo features, and student Luis Fuentes composed an original song performed by the guitar ensemble.
Over half of the students had no prior musical training, making this program their first experience in reading music, playing instruments, and performing in front of an audience. The graduation concert provided an opportunity for family and friends to witness the remarkable progress of these junior musicians.
All students received certificates and medals for completing the program, and the top five students were awarded trophies in music theory, choir, brass, guitar, and drama.
Among these standout students was Zenia Martinez, who distinguished herself not only for her achievements on guitar but also for her dramatic monologue, "The Sound of Music." Ava Randall, another standout, won the first-place trophy for brass. Brass Instructor Diego Enriquez says that Ava “has the fire inside to become an amazing cornet player."
Zenia, Ava, and other students are eager to return next year, showing how much the conservatory meant to them, and several students have now joined weekly youth programs at the corps.
With the conservatory more than doubling in size over the past two years, The Salvation Army of El Paso is now maintaining a waiting list for future students.
