Margrita van der Hoek believes fervently that all children at lakeside should have access to music education and the opportunity to play an instrument.
She started to realize this seven years ago, when her son Mauro began taking violin classes at CREM (the Centro Regional de Estudios Musicales) and she became involved with the lakeside project.
Sixty students are enrolled in CREM’s programs, ranging in age from 7 to 19, with the biggest group being teens. They meet at Ajijic’s Auditorio de la Ribera for classes that include private instrument lessons, orchestra and choir rehearsals, and music theory.
“CREM uses very little money and relies mostly on volunteers,” says van der Hoek. “Although students pay a once-a-year enrollment of 400 pesos, along with 400 pesos per month, about half the students receive scholarships, sponsored by those inside or outside the music community. This way, local children from low-income families have access to music education.”
The late Victor Manuel Medeles, a composer and musician from Ajijic who died in 2009, founded CREM 27 years ago. At that time, his oldest son, Emmanuel, took over the project.
“The whole Medeles family is involved with CREM,” says van der Hoek. “Emmanuel’s sister Areli is the cello teacher and his brother Azael is the piano teacher.”
When CREM began, Emmanuel was a young boy. The program started with a choir, and a few of those kids from that first generation – all in their 30s – are now professional musicians. Diego Rojas plays violin in the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra, as does Manuel Olivares, who plays viola. Diego still partakes in many of CREM’s performances, and was seen playing violin in the last series of outdoor performances – “Música en los Barrios,” five free concerts in the municipalities of Chapala and Jocotepec.
Says van der Hoek, “The reason CREM was able to put on these performances was because of a grant we received from Lakeside Charities Grant Program. With money to buy our own sound equipment, we can now perform at outside venues.” The latest series of open-air orchestral and choir performances were held in San Antonio Tlayacapan, Chapala, San Juan Cosala and Ajijic.
“We offer these free concerts to introduce the locals to CREM, so that more children can know about us and receive music education. We talk to the audience about our scholarship program. Any child who’s motivated should be able to participate. Additionally, we want both expats and locals to have a good time, so we bring the music to them instead of waiting for them to come to us.”
Van der Hoek works tirelessly as a CREM board member and coordinator of the scholarship program. “It’s not always easy to attract students and have them stay on. It takes a lot of discipline and practice. Once they become adolescents, some lose interest. They prefer to go out and be with their friends instead of attending classes, rehearsing and practicing.”
She adds: “Our current teens love the program; they have a lot of fun and especially enjoy the outdoor concerts. When they perform in the Auditorio, they’re dressed in black and white, with polished shoes. During the outdoor concerts they can wear whatever they choose.”
As well as putting on a major concert every summer and winter, CREM holds social events, including pool parties and holiday celebrations, such as an annual Christmas party.
“Emmanuel is very good with the kids,” says van der Hoek. “He’s always playing with them, so the kids enjoy going to their music lessons.”
As more expats are learning about CREM, van der Hoek is receiving wonderful feedback and enthusiasm. “This is the most important thing, because when you have a good project, the financial part becomes secondary. Expats not only enjoy attending our concerts, they see the benefits for the community.”
For van der Hoek, CREM isn’t just about music; it’s also a social project and an opportunity for young people to excel. “Mexico is going through a difficult period, plus many kids come from dysfunctional families. Music is a positive alternative for them, giving them discipline and self-esteem. They’re building healthy friendships while spending many hours in a healthy environment.”
She continues: “If we really want to change something in society, we need to start with our youth. We want to empower them and by offering music, we’re providing one aspect of empowerment. As our students keep busy with their music classes and studying at home, they’re less likely to spend lots of time on the internet or get into trouble. It’s like starting with a grain of sand, but in the end, a happy and healthy youth is our future.”
For information, contact Margrita van der Hoek at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">.