More Than 600 Children Showcase Their Musical Talent During the Grand Leerorkest Aruba Concert
ORANJESTAD – The Leerorkest Aruba concert brought together more than 600 children from six schools on stage at the Renaissance Convention Center on Monday morning. The event demonstrated the power of education and music, as well as the remarkable talent the children have developed throughout the past school year.
Leerorkest Aruba currently provides music lessons to approximately 620 children through its school program and around 100 children through its after-school program, giving hundreds of children across Aruba access to music education. Prime Minister Mike Eman and Deputy Prime Minister Gerlien Croes attended the presentation to personally express their appreciation for the results of this important educational and cultural initiative, which continues to have a positive impact on children throughout Aruba.
Juliette van Romondt, coordinator of Leerorkest Aruba, expressed her great satisfaction with the success of the event.
“Everything went exceptionally well. I am very proud of the children, the teachers, and everyone who contributed to the success of this project. We received tremendous support from our sponsors and from the community, making this event possible.”
Among the participating schools was St. Paulus School, which took part with more than 150 students from grades 3 through 6. Eltienne Yarzagaray, a sixth-grade teacher at St. Paulus School, expressed his pride in his students’ participation and performance.
“The children did a fantastic job today. Leerorkest offers them a unique opportunity to discover music and learn how to play a musical instrument. For many of these children, this is their first experience with an instrument. Leerorkest should continue to grow and reach even more schools across Aruba.”
Patrick de Heus, Musical Director of Leerorkest Aruba, emphasized the positive impact the program has on children’s development.
“The concert went extremely well. We saw so much energy; the children were happy, the teachers were happy, the parents were happy, and the families were proud. The children performed exceptionally well today. We practiced intensively throughout the past week, but today’s results exceeded our expectations.
The enthusiasm, cooperation, and joy you see among the children demonstrate how important this project is. Leerorkest must continue because music brings people together. Making music is not something you do alone; you do it together with others. This is an experience that helps children develop talent, discipline, and teamwork.”
De Heus also expressed his appreciation for the presence of Prime Minister Mike Eman at the concert.
“I am very pleased that Prime Minister Mike Eman was present in the audience today. It is important for the leaders of our country to see firsthand the impact this project has on our children. When you witness the joy, enthusiasm, and progress that music brings into their lives, you truly understand the value of this initiative. Programs like this make a meaningful difference.”
The presentation concluded with a spectacular concert in which all of the children performed together. The moving finale was met with prolonged applause from families, teachers, and guests in attendance.
UNOCA is proud to be part of this wonderful project.