Silvana Sanchez always knew she wanted her children to learn how to play a musical instrument.

She hoped getting them to take music lessons would also help them focus on their schoolwork. But like many parents, Sanchez couldn't afford to pay for private lessons for her three kids. Several years ago, she learned about Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association, a nonprofit organization that provides music classes and performance opportunities to children in Northern New Mexico. Through its scholarship program, the organization is able to provide financial assistance to children who otherwise would not be able to take lessons.

Sanchez's children have been participating in the symphony's programs for more than five years, and today, they are evolving into talented musicians. Sanchez's daughter, Yamileth, 11, plays violin and guitar; 14-year-old Javier plays trumpet; and Enrique, 16, is learning guitarrón, vihuela and guitar.

The three siblings have received scholarships and participate in Santa Fe Youth Symphony's Mozart y Mariachi program, which begins by teaching students classical music techniques that are then applied to mariachi. It is one of several programs offered by the nonprofit.

Sanchez said she has noticed differences in all her children over the past several years. "Their self-esteem has grown since they began playing," she said. Javier, in particular, has really thrived in school, she added.

In a given year, Santa Fe Youth Symphony students participate in 20 concerts, reaching about 2,500 community members.

But the nonprofit's biggest accomplishment, said Executive Director Kelly Huber, is giving children the opportunity to play an instrument regardless of economic status.

"We want to eliminate all barriers that keep kids from learning," Huber said. "As everyone knows, kids need to belong to something. We're just trying to provide (another) outlet for kids to be creative."

The youth symphony's other programs include a jazz ensemble, a string orchestra
and a traditional orchestra program.

A 2007 grant from the Santa Fe Community Foundation helped support Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association's Mozart y Mariachi program. It was one of three arts-related nonprofit organizations to receive funding through the foundation's community grants program.

Last year, the foundation also created a Circle of Care for the Arts endowment. This permanent fund will make future grants to nonprofits such as the Santa Fe Youth Symphony that offer visual and performing arts to youth, children and those who do not otherwise have access to the arts.

Overall, Santa Fe Youth Symphony provides 25 percent of its participants with financial aid. In Mozart y Mariachi, about 55 percent of students receive this help. More than half the students in the program get free use of an instrument throughout the year.

For more information about Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association, call 982-8483.
For information, or to give to Circle of Care for the Arts, call 988-9715, ext. 4.

Erika Dávila is a program associate at the Santa Fe Community Foundation. She
can be reached at edavila@santafecf.org.