To the rhythm they play, we dance!

The joy of the piano, guitar, and trumpet makes the other instruments that make up the Orchestra in the Girardot branch resonate, a project promoted by Dr. Juan Carlos Méndez, managed by University Welfare, and directed by Professor Augusto Flórez Catera.

The musical group consists of 12 students from different programs, such as Business Administration, Environmental Engineering, Bachelor of Education, among others, and four administrative staff, including the director of the branch who sometimes collaborates with the group.

“We’ve already been running the orchestra for three semesters. Before the COVID-19 quarantine began, we managed to set up the special room and acquire the instruments. Since then, rehearsals have been few and the concerts virtual,” explained Augusto Flórez Catera, the orchestra’s director.

The person in charge of bringing this project to life also explained that, due to the pandemic, some of the musicians returned to their home cities and have not been able to rehearse together, because many of them also do not have the instruments at home to participate in the orchestra.

The events organized by the Girardot branch, among others, are the stages where the orchestra has made its debut. “We have been working very well with the young people; it should be noted that they are not professional musicians and they do this activity out of love,” said Flórez.

Despite the different occupations, the difficulties in rehearsing together, and the things that each of the homes has had to experience, last semester the UCundinamarca Girardot branch led the Intermunicipal Band Festival, which was broadcast virtually and the university group was the host with an excellent performance.

This semester participation has been no less, as on every special date, every virtual event such as Men's Day, Women's Day, International Nurses Day, they participate and liven up these events.

Ballads, boleros, and tropical music are some of the musical genres that the orchestra performs. “The goal is to continue rehearsing, to the extent that the members are able. The time will come when we can meet again in person,” Augusto stated.

The conductor of the orchestra

Augusto Flórez Catera was chosen to carry out this project because of his experience over more than 35 years with his orchestra and in the company where he worked for many years, he also directed the company orchestra.

He is a Business Administrator, due to the twists and turns of life, but he never abandoned his love for music that captivated him since he was 12 years old, although he did not complete his professional music studies at the University of the Andes.

The teacher is in charge of composition, musical arrangements and sometimes helps with the instruments, he assures that this type of activity brings well-being to the lives of young people.

“The virtual format has been the most difficult for me; there’s nothing like live shows. Someday we’ll meet again and continue with this project, which will only get stronger,” he concluded.

More news from the Girardot branch at the News Agency