Music helping save the lives of Wayuu children

In the four months since our last report in November, the National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras and Choirs of Zulia, in alliance with the Wayuu Taya Foundation, has created a series of impactful musical activities that have significantly enriched the Wayuu community. This period witnessed the Choral Encounter, the release of "To the Bone" in homage to the Wayuu indigenous culture, and the unifying "O'jutkjaa" End of Year Concert, each event demonstrating the talent and dedication of the participating children and teens. Additionally, the beginning of music classes at the Wayuu Taya Nucleus in January represents a promising start to the new year, opening doors to endless possibilities for over 220 eager young musicians. Let's celebrate the milestones achieved and the continuous efforts to promote musical education and cultural appreciation among the youth of the Venezuelan Guajira, all made possible through the support of our community, educators, and generous donors.

Choral Encounter: Uniting voices through music

The National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras and Choirs of Zulia organized, on November 30, through the Mara Nucleus, the Choral Encounter, where 91 children from the pre-youth choir of the Wayuu Taya Nucleus debuted. The repertoire included Santo—De la Misa VII by Beatriz Corona, Larens Nights by Juan Barrios, Our Father with Music by Manuel Soler, and Sí San Pedro se Muriera, with music by Alberto Grau.

The event was at the Castor Emilio Almarza Theater, where the Choir of the University of Zulia, Son Amarza Vocal Ensemble, TEMPO Vocal Group, and Mara Nucleus Vocal Group were also present.

Release of the song "To the Bone."

We are grateful for the tribute dedicated to the Wayuu indigenous culture with the launch of the musical production: "Hasta los huesos."

The video of the piece, written by the Venezuelan composer Ali Ochoa, was recorded in the Apüna Farm and its surroundings. Traditional elements such as The Kaasha were performed by the children of the ancestral music department and their teacher, Carlos Amaya. 

It is a detailed and harmonious work produced by Harold Montero, filmed by PREDA of Gold Riddims, and edited by Otto Scheuren. Through symbology, dance, and theater, it immerses us in the daily lives and leadership of indigenous women.

The Wayuu soloist Francis Fonseca performed the interpretation, accompanied by a new Choir directed by Teacher Leandra Hernández from El Proyecto Ritmo y Creatividad Fiore for the arts we carry out in Mara.

We thank the Tamare community for their logistical support in preparing the locations and our volunteers for making it possible.

O'jutkjaa: End of Year Concert

"O'jutkajaa" in Wayuunaiki, which means unity, was the Concert that The System of Youth and Children's Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela, Wayúu Taya Nucleus, offered on December 5, 2023, at the Castor Emilio Almarza Theater in San Rafael de El Mojan. This showcase filled us with joy. Two hundred children who are part of the nucleus founded by The System in collaboration with the Wayúu Tayá Foundation, on this occasion, brought us a Christmas repertoire under the direction of Professor Yanina Albornoz and Professor Rafael Patete, teachers of the Wayúu Tayá Nucleus. It was an afternoon of music and gratitude. We are proud of our children's performance.

Starting Classes

Happy for our children with the start of music classes at the Wayuu Taya Nucleus this January 15. With great excitement, more than 220 children began a new year of music and hope. New auditions are being held for the different programs that make up the nucleus, with the participation of enthusiastic children who aspire to be part of the collective practice of music through the Coral, Orchestral, Alma Llanera, and Ancestral Music programs.

Thanks to your support, we've reached goals that give new chances to Wayuu kids and teens from vulnerable areas in the Venezuelan Guajira. Please keep helping us bring opportunities and hope to them and make a difference in their lives.