Tackling a final exam can prompt butterflies in the stomach even for the most confident student. Imagine the added pressure of being tested by a panel of eight professors, while looking out on an audience of your relatives and peers.
That was the scenario for 35 students from the Centro Regional de Estudios Musiciales (CREM) who faced the music Saturday, June 25, during end-of-term performance examinations held at the Auditorio de la Ribera.
Each of the young musicians mustered up courage against stage fright, taking turns to perform short compositions on violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone or piano. Some played with accompanists, others solo, and some appeared more than once with the various instruments they study.
Mastering stage presence is part of the CREM package that goes along with learning the scales, instrumental techniques and reading sheet music.
“The two minutes of music you just heard represent hours and hours of practice,” CREM director Emmanuel Medeles Medina reminded listeners after one young lad nervously completed a flawless violin rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”
On concluding their respective pieces, students were rewarded with diplomas and handshakes from the academic staff and the warm applause of the audience.
To close the session, Medeles announced special honors for José Antonio Polo Melgareyo, this year’s winner of the Stanley Goldberg scholarship for merit and persistence. He has completed two years at CREM learning to play viola and piano, in addition to refining his technique on guitar. The award allows the 18-year-old San Antonio resident to continue his musical studies next term at no charge. He also just finished high school, and hopes to be admitted to the University of Guadalajara to study physics.
Goldberg was the late founder and major patron of lakeside’s defunct Music Appreciation Society (MAS). The scholarship named for him was established two years ago with funds donated to CREM after MAS was dissolved.
Founded in 1990 by the late Victor Manuel Medeles Romero, CREM has a current enrollment of 55 students, aged from five to 20. About half the students receive financial aid to cover their tuition costs.
The curriculum encompasses group classes in music theory, instrumental practice and singing, along with individual instruction provided by eight teachers.
CREM performance troupes include the children’s choir, youth orchestra, small ensembles and the Victor Manuel Medeles Orchestra made up of instructors, advanced students and guest musicians.
Although the 2015-2016 term is now over, students are visiting local schools to give free performances to encourage youngsters to join the CREM program.
“We want more children to know about us and become aware that financial support is available to those who cannot afford lessons,” says community liaison Margrita ven der Hoek. “Every child at Lakeside should have the opportunity to play an instrument.”
The school has also set up an off-campus summer program from August 1-5, for youngsters aged 6 to 15. It will include music appreciation, singing, instrumental classes, stage presence, relaxation techniques and creative activities, running 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.
CREM’s Summer Concert series is scheduled for Saturday, August 6, 7 pm., and Sunday, August 7, 1 p.m. at the Auditorio de la Ribera. The program will feature a musical tribute to Disney performed by the Children’s Choir and Orchestra and the full Victor Manuel Medeles Orchestra. The price of admission is 150 pesos per person.
For additional information about the music school, scholarship support, student sponsorships and other activities, visit www.cremajijic.com or contact van der Hoek at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 333-496-8976 (cell).