ACG turns 30 this year! In celebration, one of our generous supporters is matching every gift up to $50,000 between now and our opening concert with maestro Pepe Romero on September 26th! Make a gift today.

Connections are so vital for us to recognize during this current reality that, at times, can make us feel far apart. A beautiful facet of music is the ability to create deep connections between people even at a distance or through a screen. Manor ISD is a beautiful example of the fine arts community blossoming even through the current challenges.

Decker Middle School Fine Arts Academy in Manor has caught our eye with their impressive program growth and expansive community engagement.  We spoke with the Manor ISD Director of Fine Arts, Dr. Bethany Logan, who shared:

 “The impact of our programs has resulted in partners such as Austin Classical Guitar to not only invest in our talented scholars, but also help MISD provide opportunities to students. Our community recognizes the importance and necessity that the Fine Arts bring to our scholars’ education, and as a result our programs are thriving!”

We also spoke with the guitar program director of Decker Middle School, Victor Longoria, who was able to shed some light on his musical and cultural background that he says helps him to relate with his students and community.

“I started at a young age with Norteño music through my grandfather’s group ‘Los Leones del Norte.’ I then branched out to other genres and found myself wanting to study the guitar. I studied at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where I focused on classical and flamenco guitar.”

Victor also shared his ability to connect with his students through their cultures and interests.

“The students and families in Manor have a special connection to the guitar because of the instrument’s connection to many cultures around the globe. I make connections with my students by asking them engaging questions about their interests, and try to implement that in class by playing them their favorite songs or movie sound-tracks on the guitar. I also speak Spanish fluently which helps comfort my Spanish speaking students.”

In light of COVID-19, Victor shared his adjustments to virtual music education.

“We are focusing on Social and Emotional learning since we are currently fully online. Thanks to the support of ACG and Manor ISD we got new guitars for each of the students to have in their homes. For repertoire and instruction, we use ACG’s Guitar Curriculum. We also teach our students music theory and use apps that are easy for the students to learn to tune their guitars for virtual guitar class.”

Decker Middle School currently has an astonishing 145 students enrolled in the guitar program. Manor ISD is also beginning their first high school program, and 90 students are already enrolled. The work being done to expand the fine arts community by Manor ISD is incredibly inspiring, and we are so grateful to be a part of it. 

Dr. Logan, Mr. Longoria, and the students and parents of Manor ISD show us that, despite the current pandemic situation, we can continue to grow and achieve as musicians, artists, and human beings. 

We are especially grateful to the Applied Materials Foundation, who for years has generously supported our work in Manor ISD.