Tocando offers intensive music study on string instruments through orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, piano, choir, and music fundamentals classes. Participating students also receive a daily nutritious snack, weekly academic support, field trips to cultural events and concerts, and opportunities to perform in the community.
Tocando classes are held at two locations M – TH 3:30 – 5:30 throughout the school year. Guillen Middle School Annex in downtown El Paso and Tornillo Intermediate School in Tornillo, Texas. Weekly classes include an after-school meal, recess/homework time, musicianship class, ensemble class and individual sectionals.
Held on President’s Day each year Tocando students are invited to visit the University of Texas at El Paso campus where they interact with professors and students from different college departments. Some departments include Music, Engineering and the 3-D Lab, Education, GAIA Makerspace, Fabrication Tools and more.
Student also visit Western Technical College where they are introduced to various trades and career choices.
Tocando students are given many opportunities to develop and showcase their ever increasing musical skills through concerts and presentations throughout the year. Performances at their school campuses, neighborhood activities as well as at the Plaza and Chavez Theaters allow students ample opportunity to perform music for audiences.
Select students who demonstrate a desire for intense music training are invited to attend the week-long Hummingbird Summer Music Camp each year, which is held in Jemez, New Mexico. Registration fees and transportation are provided. Students camp, learn and interact with like-minded young musicians from throughout the Southwest as they enjoy a camp-like atmosphere in the pines of New Mexico.
Performances, whether held at local farm venues, school campuses, parades or in the prestigious Plaza and Chavez Theaters, strengthen student’s music performance abilities and enable them to compete for regional awards and later for college scholarships at a high level.
Any student with a desire to learn an instrument is eligible to participate in the Tocando programs. Musical instruments and instruction are offered at no cost to the family; however, family support of the student and of the program is vital. Anyone interested in learning an instrument is encouraged to join the program. Transportation to and from programming site is the responsibility of the student and their family. Transportation to and from concerts and activities is provided by Tocando.
No, school attire is worn. Students are issued program T-Shirts to be worn at performances and off campus activities.
No, school academic performance scores are not a factor in participation. Students are only required to be respectful, obedient, present and trustworthy to participate.
Yes, students are encouraged to attend each of the classical concerts. Complimentary concert tickets are available for students and their families.
There are no hidden costs. Tocando is provided free of charge to students thanks to the support of the community and Foundation who believe in its mission.
Tocando is not a short-term club. Tocando has classes all school year and provides special summer opportunities. Students and their families will have the best experience when they continue in Tocando for many months, or even years! The longer you learn, the more fun you have
Tocando is proud to have a bilingual curriculum. All students are welcome to engage and express themselves in the language that is most comfortable for them. /
El programa Tocando se enorgullece de enseñar en formato bilingüe. Todos los estudiantes pueden participar y expresarse en el idioma que les resulte más cómodo.
Tocando provides string instruments free of charge to students enrolled for more than one month. We teach all students how to care for their instruments so they can take their instruments home to practice and to make music for family and friends.
Volunteers are a vital part of the Tocando program and highly valued and encouraged to become a part of the team. Help is always needed during snack/homework/recess time immediately following school dismissal, during class-time with classroom management and bathroom breaks and during concerts/fieldtrips/events to assist with crowd control and getting students to and from the buses and/or venues.
Knowledge of music and/or teaching is not required, although it is helpful. A love of children and a desire to make a difference in their young lives is all that is required to become a part of the team.
Contact Tocando via email at info@epso.org for more information or to sign-up. All volunteers will be subject to a background check to ensure the safety of our students.
Tocando is a scholarship-based program that is funded 100% through donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations who see its value in the young students who benefit from it. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Site Map
1110 S. Park St.
El Paso, TX 79901
900 S. Cotton Street
El Paso, Texas 79901
19200 Gabby Street
Tornillo, Texas 79853
420 Old Mill Road
Tornillo, Texas 79853
1110 S. Park St.
El Paso, TX 79901
900 S. Cotton Street
El Paso, Texas 79901
19200 Gabby Street
Tornillo, Texas 79853
420 Old Mill Road
Tornillo, Texas 79853
