Today, we had the privilege of taking students from the Lycée Français de New York (LFNY) on a journey that went far beyond a typical classroom setting.

We visited our most cherished community project: La Escuela de Iniciación Musical Santa Cecilia.

A Different Reality, A Shared Language

Located in a marginalized area on the outskirts of Oaxaca City, the Santa Cecilia neighborhood faces significant socio-economic challenges. For the students of LFNY, this visit was a window into a reality vastly different from their own, a powerful lesson in empathy, resilience, and the universal power of art.

Since 2011, this project has defied the odds. What started as a dream has blossomed into a sanctuary for local youth, thanks to the tireless efforts of:

• Father José: The parish priest whose vision sparked the movement.
• The Families: Parents who see music as a bridge to a brighter future for their children.
• Volunteers & Donors: A global network of support that keeps the instruments tuned and the doors open.

Music as a Path to Transformation

The Santa Cecilia Music School isn’t just about learning notes on a page; it’s about providing children and young adults with an alternative path. In an area where opportunities can be scarce, the school offers a discipline that fosters self-esteem, community pride, and a lifelong passion for the arts.

Watching the LFNY students interact with the local musicians was a reminder that while our backgrounds may differ, a C major chord sounds the same in every language.

Ending on a High Note (and a Basic Step!)

After a morning filled with soul-stirring orchestral music and meaningful conversations, we decided to lighten the mood and get moving. We wrapped up the afternoon with an energy-filled Salsa class.

There’s no better way to process a day of deep cultural immersion than through dance. Seeing the students from both worlds laughing and finding their rhythm together was the perfect finale to an unforgettable day.

“Music is the shorthand of emotion.”  Leo Tolstoy

At Santa Cecilia, we didn’t just hear music; we felt the pulse of a community that refuses to be defined by its circumstances.