Silvino Octárula directs the youth orchestra in the area of Cerro Colorado, also in eastern Tijuana. He doesn't care about the background of each youngster because in the end they all rely on the language of music, he said, which can be used to communicate with everyone.
"Sometimes the kids don't agree with the instrument they are given, but the atmosphere created in an orchestra is captivating," he said. "They like the synergy the group has."
It's no coincidence that this project is focused on poorer neighborhoods, particularly on the east side, since the goal is to contribute to the social development of these communities.
In the last three years, state authorities logged 2,327 violent deaths in Tijuana, about 70 percent of these on the city's east side.
García Barrios is convinced that the creation of community youth orchestras in the most troubled parts of the city will help calm the violence there by giving youngsters an opportunity to learn a beautiful, productive discipline.
"There's an enormous need for this type of project here."
Omar.millan@sandiegored.com
