Our Reason for the Music Program

When COMMIT first started working in Nicaragua, it was evident that music wasn’t part of the school curriculum in remote villages. So soon recorders and simple musical instruments were part of our yearly deliveries. The children loved to “make music” (or noise) with these instruments, but had no one to really show them how to play properly. The teachers are interested, but not trained in music.

A few years ago, COMMIT decided to make more of an effort to help the students with musical instruction. More recorders were taken down and I have had the privilege of spending time with students in four schools – La Vigia, Nandarola,Dolores de Lago and San Luis. And what fun we have had.
In past years while on our way to the school in San Luis, the students at Dolores de Lago would run out of the school waving and yelling at us. They wanted us to stop and bring music to them too! And this year for the first time we did. They were very excited we came.I say “we” because at each visit to a school, I am accompanied by Jhonny Flores, who acts as my interpreter and brings along his guitar, much to the delight of the students who are soon singing enthusiastically. We use hand bells, recorders and boomwhackers, easy instruments for children to play and even the most serious student is soon smiling.
I teach some basic music theory – note names and rhythm. In Nandarola where the music visits have been happening for a while, the students can now read basic rhythms and notes. A little Beethoven or Justin Bieber may be hiding in one of
these villages. But more importantly, every child has a few moments of joy when making music with their voice or an instrument.
We are very grateful to those people who have donated recorders.

COMMIT pays Jhonny to make regular visits to these four schools to build on musical training between visits by COMMIT personnel.
Beverly Neeb

Music For The Schools

Music Teacher Jhonny Flores was hired by COMMIT to continue with the teaching at various schools. He works closely with our Canadian music teacher, Beverly Neeb. Music is such a universal language and COMMIT is pleased to provide the teaching, as well as various musical instruments to the students. The smiles on their faces tell it all. 

Musical Instruction by our Canadian Teacher Beverly Neeb

Music teacher Bevery Neeb and some of her students

Music, The Universal Language

Introduction to Recorders

Team member Bryan Rauser helps a student learn how to hold and play a recorder. Medical Team 2018

Books and Textbooks For the Schools

COMMIT has been supporting the schools in Nandarola, San Luis, La Flor, La Vigie and Dolores de Lago with school supplies,

text books and reading books  We have also given music lessons to students and teachers and brought

down dozens of recorders and other musical instruments