LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — For almost 20 years, one Las Vegas group has opened its doors to help youth explore the world of music.
The Foundation to Assist Young Musicians works with students throughout the valley, mainly on the east side of Las Vegas.
“It is a nonprofit that works with students all throughout the valley, but mainly on the east side of Las Vegas,” said Tim Thomas.
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The program offers an after-school music program with around 60 hours per week of lessons, ensembles and classes.
Thomas and his teachers work with close to 250 kids year-round through the FAYM program. The foundation supplies instruments for elementary school students, many of them staying with the program through high school.
“Let’s learn the instrument, the techniques behind it. Let’s get a good ear set. Then they can grow into the mariachi program. They can grow into the orchestra program,” Thomas said.
Students perform as many as 20 times throughout the community, including on the Strip.
The program has helped students like Mariana Carbajal get into the honors college at UNLV to study music education.
“I’ve had the honor and privilege to be in All-State Mariachi, All-State Orchestra, Honor Mariachi, Honor Orchestra and I know wholeheartedly that my skill level is because of FAYM,” Carbajal said.
She said music education at schools is helpful, but for students who want to continue as musicians, school hours are not enough.
“Music education at schools is great, but I feel like for somebody that wants to continue being a musician, sometimes school hours isn’t enough. 90 minutes is not enough,” Carbajal said.
As Carbajal continues her education, she wants to keep performing in both mariachi and orchestra.
“I want to inspire the next generation of musicians as I have been inspired,” she said.
“I feel like this is what I’m meant to do. I just, I’m so happy,” Carbajal said.
If you want to learn more about FAYM, click here.
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