The state’s governor, Greg Abbott, granted an official certificate to appreciate the positive impact of this non-profit organization in Houston.

By Ana Carolina Morales

The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, presented a recognition to El Sistema Texas. The document, dated December 28th, 2023, emphasizes traits of this non-profit organization as promoting access to musical education, cultural enrichment, and nurturing students in their social, emotional, and cognitive aspects.

For the founder and CEO of El Sistema Texas, Alvaro Carrillo, Governor Abbott’s words validate their work. “It represents the recognition of a collective effort that surpasses teaching music. Our focus is on social transformation and to empower young people through art. This recognition strengthens our commitment and inspires us to move forward, knowing that our work has a real impact and a value at the state level.”

With this public acknowledgment, El Sistema Texas has received six public recognitions from private and public institutions in the United States. Teacher Rhomy López, vice president and founder of this organization, received the Yellow Rose of Texas. It is the highest recognition for women with notable work in communities within Texas,” added Carrillo.

A Social Movement in the Heart of Texas

El Sistema Texas was born in 2022, inspired by the globally acclaimed Venezuelan model. It is now an international movement that provides music education for hundreds of thousands of at-risk children and teenagers.

In Houston, this non-profit organization attends to 150 students from Hispanic backgrounds and financial hardship. Children from 4 years old to 18 are part of this program.

People have publicly acknowledged El Sistema Texas for its positive influence. On July 17th, 2023, the then mayor of the City of Houston, Sylvester Turner, declared this date as El Sistema Texas’ Day.

On October 13th, 2023, Wesley Hunt, representative of the 38th Congressional District of Texas, in Washington, congratulated El Sistema Texas with a Congressional Proclamation. “El Sistema is a beacon of hope and transformation in the heart of Texas,” conveys the document.

For this reason, the founders of this organization are establishing agreements with Hispanic consulates to strengthen their connections and grow their number of students, teachers, volunteers, and performances.

“We want to enrich the educational and cultural experience of our musicians. Our focus is to bring this program to every corner of Texas, to take the collective practice of music to the communities most in need,” stated Carrillo.

Music is a universal language despite cultural backgrounds. It is a powerful tool for social change. If you want to listen to our magic and become a changemaker, click here to discover more about our mission.