The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® nominee Silvestre Dangond , hosted a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ program in Bogotá, on Thursday, May 14. The program included a donation of musical instruments to two local schools—Colegio Enrique Olaya Herrera and Fundación Sendero de Acordeones de Riohacha—and students participated in a meet and greet and conversation with Dangond and accordion player, José Juan Camilo.
Dangond continues to support the growth and development of vallenato and previously sponsored two Latin Music Research and Preservation Grants for the Foundation dedicated to funding the folkloric music genre from Colombia.
“I am so proud to be able to support emerging young talent, especially in a country like Colombia, where music is a fundamental part of our identity,” said Dangond. “I see myself reflected in these students—in their dreams, in their passion—and I hope this experience reminds them that, with dedication and a love for music, anything is possible.”
“We thank Silvestre Dangond for his partnership and continued support of our shared mission to nurture future Latin music creators,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “His generosity today created what we hope is an experience that these students will never forget and further ensures the legacy of Latin music.”
Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that inspires students ages five-to-18 through music education and mentorship. The program informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry, supporting educational music departments that face financial limitations. The Foundation invites renowned musicians, performing artists, and sound engineers to share their personal stories and experiences with students, highlighting the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.
By The Latin Recording Academy
