At Trinity Basin Preparatory near Redbird, flutist Caely Rodriguez is dedicated to keeping her triplets in time. She practices alongside elementary and middle school flutists and clarinetists as they rehearse the Christmas piece Paseo Navideno. Instructor Laura Kidder, with her precise finger snaps, guides the students through the tempo. This is just a glimpse into the activities of the Kim Noltemy Young Musicians Program, which offers free lessons and instruments to southern Dallas students.

Unlock the Musical Potential of Dallas Students

Section 1: The Program's Impact on Students

Caely, now 11, has been a part of the program since she was 6. She has connected with teachers and made new friends among the clarinetists and flutists. Through this experience, she has learned the importance of being prepared every day, staying quiet during others' performances, and developing discipline. These skills have also benefited her in other classes. With the help of program manager Ashley Alarcon, Caely overcame one of her biggest challenges. She practiced repeatedly until she could play without mistakes and then wrote down her errors while playing. This approach has helped her grow as a musician.Mariana Lara, a 12-year-old seventh grader, has been playing the violin for two years in the program. She has learned patience through practicing the challenging technique of vibrato. Working on specific parts of the music can be difficult and frustrating at times, but she perseveres. These life lessons extend beyond music and help her in her daily life as well.

Section 2: The Role of Educators

Behind the scenes, more than 25 music teachers play a crucial role in the students' growth. Roy Gonzalez, who has been teaching trombone and trumpet at the Trinity Basin Prep Ledbetter Campus for four years, previously taught at the college level. Now, he enjoys the opportunity to teach students from scratch and give them the best tools. He sees the program as a challenge but has witnessed the rapid improvement of many young musicians. One of his students, a trumpet player, started three months ago and is already playing two-octave scales. Gonzalez's favorite memory is watching the students perform in a concert last fall. The improvement he heard in such a short time was remarkable, and he couldn't hold back his tears.

Section 3: Rehearsals and Performances

Consistent rehearsals make the performances possible. Even as darkness falls outside, students gather inside the portable classroom at Trinity Basin Prep to rehearse Brahms' “Tragic Overture”. The tremolo of the violins fills the room as the wind instruments add their sound. The timpani and slashing chords build up to the big finale. Once the conductor's hand falls, the room is filled with the sounds of chatting and packing up. But tomorrow, they will return to do it all over again, continuing their musical journey.This year marks the fifth anniversary of the program, which has withstood the challenges of the pandemic and provided free arts education despite budget cuts in other programs. Fort Worth ISD cut $1.2 million from its visual and performing arts budget, but the Young Musicians Program remains strong. Music education has been proven to have positive effects on adolescents, including increased confidence, creativity, and mental and emotional well-being. The program not only teaches music but also instills values that make students aware citizens, teaching them to embrace and encourage their neighbors and accept their strengths and weaknesses.