Our Education Programs Are off to a Strong Start for the Year!
Our music education programs are fully underway in schools across Santa Fe and northern New Mexico, and we’re excited to share the latest updates—from pre-K visits from a Santa Fe Symphony cellist to Dream Big students winning first-chair auditions in prestigious local ensembles and more, so keep reading below!
Music in Our Schools, our widest-reaching program, launched its latest season last week. A series of in-school chamber music concerts, Music in Our Schools is offered in pre-K and grades K–6 in 15 public schools in Santa Fe, Taos, Los Alamos, and Pecos. Recently, Santa Fe Symphony cellist Allison Rich made pre-concert visits to pre-K students so that when their concert took place earlier this week, they were familiar with one of the musicians—Allison—and one of the instruments—the cello! What a joy it was for everyone to witness four- and five-year-olds hearing the cello for the very first time!
In the coming weeks, nearly 4,000 more schoolchildren will attend an in-school chamber music concert through our Music in Our Schools program, and this time the concert will feature a flute quartet! For many, this performance will be their first live concert experience—one that’s made possible by the generous support of all those who donate to the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival’s music education programs. (See below to learn how YOU can make this kind of experience possible!)
We’re also excited to share big news about two students in our Dream Big Private Lesson Program, both of whom are Dream Big scholarship recipients.
Lindsey Caraveo, who’s been a Dream Big student for years, auditioned for District Honor Orchestra last week and earned first chair overall among the violins! Lindsey is the first-ever Capital High School student to serve as the orchestra’s concertmaster!
Addy Coggeshall, a talented 7th grader who’s enrolled in the Dream Big program at Santa Fe’s Ortiz Middle School, just earned a huge honor—especially for someone so young: first chair in the flute section in Honor Band!
Students from our two group-lesson programs, Strings in Our Schools and Guitar in Our Schools, are consistently featured in superintendents’ spotlights, and one recent honoree was violinist Edwin Oritz, who was the subject of this glowing write-up:
Edwin Ortiz
5th Grade, Ramirez Thomas Elementary
Edwin Ortiz stands out for his kindness, responsibility, and empathy. He consistently treats peers and adults with respect, is always ready to lend a helping hand, and models the core values of Ramirez Thomas Elementary—Responsibility, Teamwork, and Empathy.
Edwin is a dedicated student whose curiosity and depth of knowledge enrich classroom discussions. He eagerly shares his perspective, listens thoughtfully to others, and supports classmates in mastering new skills. His teachers describe him as a leader who “enjoys the struggle” of problem-solving and brings creative solutions back to share with the class.
Beyond the classroom, Edwin is deeply engaged in school life. He participates in chess club, math club, and the RTE Academy [and, since 2nd grade, he’s] been a member of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival [Strings in Our Schools program], where he plays violin. His artistic side shines through drawing, painting, and writing, while his technical talents in coding and 3D printing set him apart as an innovator.
Edwin’s leadership extends to group projects, after-school programs, and clubs, where he encourages and supports his peers. He is known for his humor, kindness, and inclusivity, which foster a welcoming school environment. His resilience is especially inspiring—despite challenges, including being a native Spanish speaker learning English, he has achieved academic excellence in both languages.
Edwin is not only an outstanding student but also a role model, friend, and older brother. His teachers and principal agree: he embodies the best of Ramirez Thomas Elementary and is truly deserving of this honor.
We’re so proud of all our students, and their experiences and accomplishments demonstrate how the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival’s music education programs make a HUGE difference in the lives of underserved students in northern New Mexico.
Additionally, your donation in support of our music education programs makes a HUGE difference in our students’ lives as well—especially now, as we launch The Art of Possibility, a critical fundraising initiative that will help us expand our programs’ offerings, reach, and enrollment. Click below to make a donation—and a difference—today!