Since their arrival in Colombia in 1890, the Salesians have been working in education. They founded the first school of arts and crafts in the country and at the same time, as a vital part of Salesian pedagogy, started the "band." Fr Variara founded a band in Agua de Dios in 1897.
Faithful to this heritage, Fr Mario Peresson started the "Project of the Provincial Music Bands" in 2012, with the support of Don Bosco Missions, Jóvenes y Desarrollo from the Generalitat de Valencia, and the Rector Major, Fr Angel Fernandez Artime.
Supported by the Province, and under the coordination of Maestro Neftalí Alonso Loaiza, 13 music centres were opened. They are currently structured in three levels (pre-band, children’s band and youth band). Together they cater for 2,450 children and young people.
The Third Music Festival of the Province of Bogotá (COB) was held on 20 October at the Don Bosco Centre in Bogota. The next day the youth bands gave a Grand Concert of youth gangs, where 540 children and young people, played in perfect harmony as a tribute from the Province to the Rector Major who was represented by three of his Councillors: Fr Ivo Coelho, General Councillor General for Formation; Fr Timothy Ploch, Councillor for the Inter-America Region, and Fr Filiberto González Plascencia who is making the Extraordinary Visitation to the Province. It was intended also as a tribute to the 13 Provincials of the region who were meeting in Bogota.
The performance of the bands, with their interpretation of tropical melodies, filled the audience in the large Salesian auditorium with enthusiasm and passion.
Music training is an integral part of Salesian pedagogy and comprehensive education of children and young people. On this occasion it was also a token of gratitude towards the distinguished visitors.
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/2035-colombia-third-music-festival-of-the-salesian-province#sigProId40f8dc0209
