Festival Musical

This photo was taken last weekend by my husband at the "Festival Musical" in Puriscal, Costa Rica. The event was organized to feature not only the excellent choir of Carlos Luis Fallas, but the instrumental talents of his other music students as well. My oldest daughter is pictured here with her good friend Charlie and Don Carlos, their music teacher. The night was filled with a variety of well rehearsed songs played on keyboard, recorder, piano and guitar followed by several songs sung by the choir. It was notably well organized and overall very enjoyable.

We had heard great things about the Choir of Don Carlos Luis Fallas, and our daughter joined as soon as she was old enough. Immediately we saw why his group receives such high acclaim. He holds very high standards, and demands full dedication from his students. His work with the group goes far beyond teaching them to sing. He also reinforces their etiquette as a group and their presence on stage. The result is a super tight, very professional group of kids who he can take as far as the National Theatre without fear of even one member going rogue.

The casual "pura vida" mentality in Costa Rica does not work well when it comes to organized events. While charming, it is not always productive. Don Carlos is quite the exception. Not only does he expect excellence from his own group, he also refuses to put his pupils to participate in events that are poorly organized. Looking at the dozens of performers in last weekend's festival, I can't help but marvel at the impact Don Carlos is making on the community. Since 1995, hundreds of kids have passed through his academy, each leaving with the prize of his personal standard of pride, professionalism, and excellence.

Another way in which Don Carlos is a terrific role model, is that he is an artist who has put his talent to good use by having established a good business for himself. He accomplishes great things with this group, he is an excellent teacher who supports himself by providing a high quality service to the community. He never has a hand out for support of his cause, he floats his own boat. Now that I admire. I am proud to have my daughter travel with this group and be associated with the academy. El Coro de la Academia Carlos Luis Fallas is performing in the annual "Festival de la Música Coral" at the Teatro National on October 27, 2009.

**Photo by Miguel Angel Castro