Wednesday, May 7th, will be etched in the memories of the Canizález Institute students who experienced an unforgettable musical morning in their own school during a performance by the CULTURA Jazz Ensemble.
The show, enjoyed by 900 elementary and secondary school students and teachers, came to this school located in the Ejidal El Conchi community, thanks to Cultura in Education, a program promoted by the Instituto de Cultura de Mazatlan through Spring Season 2025. The program aims to promote the educational options offered by the Municipal Arts Center and generate a genuine connection between the arts and new generations.
The performance began with the song “Camaleón,” where each musician improvised and showcased their instrument, and continued with “The Chicken,” whose rhythm got the little ones dancing on the school’s sports field.
During this performance, the positive vibe soared with spontaneous shouts and effusive applause from students and teachers, delighted by the joyful, rhythmic, and fluid repertoire.
On the improvised stage set up by CULTURA staff under the roof covering the field, maestro Omar Ríos led the young musicians, who unleashed their passion for jazz and performed the final piece, “Bluey,” from the beloved animated series starring the friendly and empathetic dog who has won the hearts of children.
During the event, the children’s response was generous and motivating for the musicians, as the little ones couldn’t contain their enthusiasm and began to dance energetically, jumping for joy and raising their arms whenever the music moved them.
The displays of joy were constant: spontaneous applause echoed after each melody, and at the end, Maestro Omar Ríos seemed happy and grateful.
When asked about the challenges of performing before a children’s audience, Maestro Ríos reflected: “Well, the challenge, more than anything, is getting the children to react to the music. I think that if you, as a musician, get a child to move or like something, you say, ‘Okay, I’ve done it!’ I think the best audience is children. They are amazed by everything. If you play a piece really well, they are amazed and applaud, which is what happened just now. That was the challenge: getting the children to move and get excited. And they were.”
Maestro Miguel Eloin Ibarra, director of the Canizález Institute, thanked the Mazatlán Institute of Culture for presenting this type of performance in schools.
“It’s a great way for children and young people to begin to learn about all the art and culture available in our municipality. It helps us get people thinking about more positive things,” he said.
