In music, silence is just as crucial as the notes themselves. Understanding the importance of listening is a way of showing respect for others and acknowledging that we are all equal in terms of rights and opportunities. This is one of the core messages being imparted to the children who participate in the school choir programme currently being implemented in all primary schools in Puerto de la Cruz. This social initiative uses the voice as an instrument to not only teach music but also to instil values such as self-appreciation, tolerance, and inclusivity.
The project was established 35 years ago, in September 1989, by José Híjar Polo, widely recognized as ‘Pepe’, who serves as the musical director of the Reyes Bartlet Choir and Artistic Director of the Reyes Bartlet Cultural Association. Initially starting as an extracurricular activity offered by the Agustín de Bethencourt Institute, the CEIP Tomás de Iriarte and El Tejar (now CEIP César Manrique), it was supported by the Parents and Teachers Associations (Ampas) until 2001 when the Cultural Association took over. This change led to the expansion of the project to all educational institutions in the municipality.
During the academic year 2015-2016, the Puerto de la Cruz School Choirs made significant strides as they transitioned to being taught during regular school hours. A successful trial run at the CEIP Tomás de Iriarte paved the way for this shift, with the school embracing the initiative enthusiastically. As a result, the Municipal School Council officially approved the programme, allowing each school to select the classes interested in participating. One heartwarming anecdote involves the students of the fourth grade at CEIP Juan Cruz Ruiz in the La Vera neighbourhood, who, after engaging in the project, had a positive transformative experience that prompted the school to extend it to the entire student body.
Unfortunately, due to diminishing funding, the focus shifted to the youth choir in institutes. The lack of resources has presented challenges, with the youth choir being unable to recover post-pandemic. Nevertheless, one of the short-term goals is to revive this choir. The main hurdle currently facing the Association is the budgetary constraints, as sustaining an educational project of this scale requires adequate financial backing to allow for activities such as inter-school exchanges and increased instructor support.
The reality is quite the opposite, with finances being stretched to the limit. Consequently, all proceeds generated from the various concerts held throughout the year are directed towards the School Choirs project. This initiative is strongly endorsed by both the Association and the management of the educational institutions, given the myriad benefits it offers to the entire school community. These benefits include fostering an appreciation for art among families, promoting teamwork, facilitating positive conflict resolution, boosting self-esteem and confidence, and honing time management skills.
Marina Velázquez, the project coordinator and Association secretary, laments the lack of resources that has resulted in the rejection of proposals from children’s choirs across the Peninsula and Europe. Finding a patron to provide financial support for these endeavours remains a top priority. Each school determines the timing for their choir performances, but the Association recently organised a final concert featuring volunteers at the parish of the Peña de Francia, which was met with an enthusiastic reception.
More than a musical endeavour, the coordinator emphasises that the project serves as a social intervention due to the positive impact of group singing on personal development, speech articulation, breathing, and physical well-being. Teaching children to care for and nurture their voices is a key aspect of the programme.
Collaboration with school management, faculty, and particularly music teachers is integral to the project’s success, ensuring alignment with the curriculum. Some songs are even prepared in English or French to encourage involvement from language teachers. Additionally, social issues such as tolerance, respect, and diversity, although not directly related to the curriculum, are also addressed.
One notable instance involved students at CEIP Tomás Iriarte performing the song “Personas Arcoiris” by Fernando Ortí in 2022 to condemn a xenophobic incident the previous year during the migrant exhibition ‘Las Raíces’. This demonstration aimed to highlight the students’ rejection of intolerance within the community.
The coordinator underscores the project’s broader aim of education in values, leveraging music as a conduit to impart important life lessons. By aligning with school themes and engaging with local events, the project seeks to create a more holistic educational experience for students, promoting character development along with musical skills.
