Program History

Aaron Baca was a high school student at Albuquerque Academy when he founded Música del Sol in 2001. The program began at one elementary school with 13 students, offering only violin instruction. Since then, it has spread to four elementary schools, providing opportunities for more than 70 students in violin, viola, and cello instruction.

When Aaron went out of state for college, Elaine Davidson took his place as the director of the program. She set up Música del Sol Inc. as a non-profit organization and recruited enough teachers to keep the program functioning at four schools. This is how Patrick Clark, the current director, became involved with the program in 2005 as a teacher.

Patrick assumed the role of executive director in 2006. Since then, he has worked to keep the program afloat on a $40,000 annual budget, recruiting teachers and student interns for each of the four schools. He has also helped put together a website for the program. Over the next few years, Patrick hopes to secure more funding for Música del Sol and expand to more schools throughout the Albuquerque area.

Aaron remains involved with the program as the President of the Board of Directors. He oversees its general growth and offers guidance and vision when he sees fit. Patrick serves as the treasurer, and Martha Strauss, who is also a teacher in the program, serves as the secretary. Jacqueline Cieslak, who designed the program's website, serves as Vice President.

Although Elaine is no longer officially involved, she still helps the program with paperwork and various technical issues. There have been many other people over the years who have helped Música del Sol become the program it is today, but they cannot all be mentioned here. If you have been involved with the program in any capacity over the years, and would be willing to share your stories on the website, please email Jacqueline Cieslak.