Sixty curious and vociferous students attended the first assembly put on by the Borrego Springs Music Festival on Friday, March 15 at Borrego Springs Elementary school.

Shawn Campbell, an accomplished musician and teacher, gave the children instructions and parts to make balloon bassoons: PCV, duck tape, balloons and rubber bands. All students eagerly jumped into the task and the creative energy in the room was palpable! The session ended with a marching band that played to all the classrooms. Kids got to take their instruments home (sorry parents). They were enthusiastic, focused and totally engaged while building and decorating their instruments.

Music is a powerful tool to ignite emotions, convey stories and recover nostalgic memories. To imagine a world without it is disheartening. For the students in Borrego Springs, that dreary scenario is their reality without a music instructor to guide them at any level of their education. Every student needs the opportunity to learn music and art, to glean from its benefits of mental stimulation, reduced anxiety, and even career opportunities. Borrego Music Festival, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was formed to bring music back to our local students.

2024 is our second successful year and this year the festival was able to donate $3,000 to Borrego Springs Unified School District for music education. This year will also be the launch of a music mentoring program, bringing volunteer instructors back into the school and instruments into the hands of students. Do you have musical expertise? An old instrument in the closet you don't play anymore? Want to make a donation? Please contact Bill Moran at wmmoran4444@hotmail.com or visit our website Borregomusicfestival.com

– Borrego Music Festival Committee