The Music Man from Teacapán
By Sheila Madsen
Raymond Krueger arrived in
Teacapán five years ago hearing music. He had the good fortune to spend his entire career doing what he loves to do - teaching music. After 30 years that passion for music and teaching was not about to stop just because he was retired.
He and his wife, Phyllis, chose this sleepy fishing village for their winter home, but something was missing. There was no town band. So by gosh, Raymond was going to change that.
To most of us this would be a daunting task, but for Raymond he simply combined the two things that he knew best - schools and music. He approached Articulo Tercero Constituciónal , the secondary school, about an hour after music class and made his proposal. The school agreed, and slowly Raymond began piecing together his program. This project carried two important goals: the children must learn to read music and it would be essential that the parents were involved in the entire process.
Something else was missing. Instruments!
Over time, Raymond and his wife encouraged their friends to donate instruments, which he would drive across the border every November. He’s accumulated clarinets, flutes, trombones, trumpets and percussion instruments. Sadly, a tuba has not presented itself. Yet.
Slowly parents became engaged and got on board with the music program. Kids eagerly attend afternoon sessions playing music Raymond has arranged, stuff they could really get into like “Pink Panther,” and “La Bamba.” Five years later, Raymond now has beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. The instruments remain at the school; they do not belong to individuals, ensuring younger children an opportunity to play.
Today this group of 30 students and their parents are energized, inspired, and proud of their accomplishments. How do you keep that flame of enthusiasm alive? How about a bus trip to the Teatro Angela Peralta to hear the Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra of the Arts? And that’s exactly what happened on the evening of April 17.Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra conductor Gordon Campbell and Raymond Krueger collaborated and created a magical musical experience for the “La banda de
Krueger donated the bus trip, Campbell, working in concert with the theatre management, arranged for half hour master classes, and free tickets to the symphony. As they entered the theatre I saw the stars in their eyes, their spreading smiles, their adolescent pokes, the sheer joy and wonderment on their faces, as if they had landed in Oz . This would be a life altering experience for them all.
Giggling, giddy, kids grouped according to their instruments, waiting for the professionals to teach them. When the various masters appeared, the students became so shy and nervous they could barely hold their drumsticks —simply awestruck. Between classes, I asked the children how they felt about their school program and I heard: emotional, happy, nervous, and anxious to play. No question, they were proud they could read music too. They all wanted to be in a rock band when they grew up and, I suspect, they all exaggerated the amount of time they practiced at home!
As thrilling as this outing was, Krueger wanted them to focus on one thing: what they could become, and how professionals behaved. I believe that message was received loud and clear, proving anything is possible.
I wonder what they dreamed about when they went to bed that night back home in Teacapán. I do know that one of Raymond Krueger’s dreams will be fulfilled on Mother’s Day - hearing his “La banda de pescadores de Teacapán” playing in the Town Square. Even without the tuba, this is music to Raymond’s ears.
(Interested in donating any “retired” instruments that may be in your basement? Just drop them off at the music school, (Fine Arts Municipal Center) next to the theatre, and Raymond will cheerfully pick them up in November. Please mark clearly: For Raymond Krueger’s school band in Teacapan)
Sheila Madsen is currently in Toronto packing up for a full-time move to Mazatlán in October. To read more of Sheila’ s writing go to:
www.helloboomers.com and read under her web name Louise Dewar.
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