Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda announced that seven young Baja Californians were chosen to participate in a cultural and musical exchange in the United States, representing Mexico on stages in Idaho and Washington. This demonstrates how artistic training promoted by the Baja California government continues to transcend borders.
The governor tagged this achievement as proof that investing in culture truly transforms lives, and reaffirmed her commitment to providing high-level opportunities to children and teenagers across the state.
“Seeing them succeed beyond our borders confirms that Baja California is full of talent, and when that talent receives support and guidance, it flourishes. This is the result of policies that bet on art as a tool for social and human development,” Governor Marina del Pilar said.
The exchange program is organized by the Music Bridges Borders Foundation, based in Sandpoint, Idaho, and coordinated by the Reed family. This binational effort is also made possible thanks to the commitment of their families, who support them in achieving their dreams.
This year, the musicians representing Baja California are: Yary Palomino Morales (violoncello), Josué David Palomino Morales (violin), and Ketzali Veana Salazar (flute), from Tijuana; and David Daniel García Gordillo (percussion), Dulce Celine Méndez Villafuerte (flute), Jesús Arnoldo Valencia Magaña (tuba), and Keyla Suhally Reyes Gallardo (oboe), from Mexicali.
These young musicians will stay in the U.S. from July 15 to August 5, during which they will participate in various community concerts. They were also invited to perform at the renowned Schweitzer Wine Festival, one of northern Idaho’s most representative events.
During their stay, the students will also attend two intensive camps—one in Sandpoint and another in Spokane, Washington—where they will participate in the Spokane Youth Symphony Sensational Summer Camp, a high-level musical training program that fosters artistic exchange between young talents from both countries.
Ensembles from the State Music System, young musicians from the Tijuana Youth Symphony, and the Secondary School No. 50 Marching Band in Mexicali are all participating, further expanding the reach and impact of this cultural exchange.
With a presence in all state municipalities, the State Music System includes community ensembles that have served around 6,000 children and young people, who actively participate in artistic and cultural activities, highlighted Alma Delia Ábrego Ceballos, Secretary of Culture.
These groups perform in public spaces, theaters, and various venues both in their hometowns and beyond, strengthening social ties and promoting access to culture through music.
Thus, music becomes a bridge of understanding, education, and fellowship between communities in both countries, providing young people with a first-class artistic experience and a clear message: culture unites borders.
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