Notre Dame School makes music a requirement in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The sound of music is making a crescendo at the Notre Dame School in Santa Barbara.

"I’m excited that i am in music because mr. richie invited me to join the Santa Barbara Symphony in Santa Barbara," said student Sebastian Velazquez of the Notre Dame School.

"Well music gives me a time to cool down thinking about what i’m doing and learn songs," said student Blake Tapia of the Notre Dame School.

The program was developed from scratch by music educator Ritchie Gonzales.

In partnership with Raymond Music and the Santa Barbara Education Foundation, instruments are provided to the students at no cost.

Leaders of the music program believe this is the only grade school in the entire county of Santa Barbara requiring music for students from K through 8th grade.

"We saw that there is a social emotional need as well as the benefit to their to their literacy literacy program that we’re starting … and they need it," said principal Alec Gasca of the Notre Dame School.

The students agree.

"I play flute and music is important to me because it helps my knowledge and it makes me strengthen my knowledge and in my instrument," said student Camil Velazquez of the Notre Dame School

Right now the Gonzales is looking to expand the program from traditional music education to other styles like Mariachi.

"I’m hoping kids here sign up for the mariachi program and grow and have strings … right now we just do band," said Gonzales.

The program includes band, choir and other fun instruments.

"I’m excited about music because we get to sing a lot to God," said student Joseph Flores of the Notre Dame School.

As the school year continues, the Notre Dame School plans to continue hitting all the right notes.

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