In El Tejar, Chimaltenango, Guatemala, music has become a powerful pathway for learning, connection, and community pride. What began nearly two decades ago as a small partnership has grown into a vibrant afterschool music program serving more than 150 students each year and touching the lives of thousands of children and families over time.
A Partnership Rooted in Community
The El Tejar Music Program began in 2007 through a partnership between LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival) International, PEG Partners (now Senderos), and FUNDIT (the Foundation for Integral Development in El Tejar). Together, these organizations launched music instruction for young children at the CEDIN (Center for Integral Development of Children) school, along with an afterschool band program for older students. FUNDIT provides administrative oversight and space for the program, while LEAF International and Senderos fund instruction, instruments, and ongoing program operations.
From the start, community enthusiasm was strong. As the teen program grew, the need for a dedicated space for instruction, rehearsal, instrument storage, and performances became clear. In a remarkable display of commitment, parents of students, many living with limited resources, began bringing building materials to the school one bag of cement or cinder block at a time. With additional support from another nonprofit organization, the community was able to build a music room complete with a stage. Today, that space stands as a lasting symbol of collective investment and shared pride.
Serving Students Across Ages
Each year, the El Tejar Music Program serves approximately 150 to 200 students. This includes 90 to 115 preschool children from CEDIN, ages four to six, and 60 to 85 students in primary school, middle school, and high school, ages seven through seventeen.
Preschool students meet weekly for 45-minute classes focused on rhythm and musical exploration. Using simple percussion instruments such as drums, tambourines, bells, triangles, and maracas, young children build foundational skills while developing focus, coordination, and a joyful relationship with music.
Older students participate in classes throughout the week and choose from a wide range of instruments, including marimba, mandolin, guitar, bass, violin, keyboard, and recorder. In recent years, the program has expanded to include cello and the launch of a marching band program featuring brass instruments, creating new opportunities for students to explore and grow as musicians.
More Than Music
For students, the El Tejar Music Program is far more than an afterschool activity. It is an integral part of their lives. Through music, students build friendships and develop skills that extend well beyond the classroom, including teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and pride in their cultural identity.
“Music is my language. It’s how I express myself,” says Genesis Sicajau, who has been part of the program for more than six years.
Another one of the program’s most inspiring features is its emphasis on leadership from within. The current music teachers are former students, who have returned to guide the next generation. Each year, two university scholarships are awarded to graduates of the program to continue studying music and gain teaching experience, strengthening both their musical expertise and confidence as leaders. This approach creates a cycle of growth and empowerment that continues to shape the cultural fabric of El Tejar.
Music That Opens Doors
Over the years, students from the El Tejar Music Program have been invited to travel to the United States to perform at the Lake Eden Arts Festival. In 2012, 2017, 2019, 2023, and 2025, groups of students spent seven to ten days in North Carolina as artists in residence at local schools and performers on the main LEAF stage.
For many participants, these trips represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Students share their music with international audiences while gaining confidence, expanding their worldview, and discovering new possibilities for their future.
Sustaining the Program
The El Tejar Music Program offers structured afterschool instruction through a three-year progression, providing students with consistent opportunities to develop musical skills, discipline, and confidence while remaining deeply connected to their community and cultural traditions. The program also introduces music to preschool students through weekly rhythm-based classes that build early foundations through play and exploration.
The annual budget for the El Tejar Music Program is approximately $22,000. Contributions at every level play a vital role in sustaining the program and ensuring access for all students.
- $125 provides half a year of music instruction for one student
- $170 provides one month of music classes for the preschool
- $250 supports instrument maintenance, including new strings, repairs, and upkeep
- $300 to $500 provides an instrument for a student to use while learning, often lasting for many years
- $600 supports student recitals, celebrations, and the annual graduation ceremony
- $1,000 provides a full-year scholarship for a student to pursue university studies in music
Together, these investments sustain a program that has been opening doors and strengthening the El Tejar community for nearly two decades.
By supporting the El Tejar Music Program, you help sustain a community-driven effort that has been transforming young lives through music for nearly two decades.
