Verón–Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. – With new projects and renewed energy, the Punta Cana System has officially launched its 2025-2026 academic year, reinforcing its mission to transform lives through music education. This cycle marks a significant expansion, now reaching more than 250 children and adolescents from Verón-Punta Cana and surrounding communities across the eastern region of the country.
Growing Demand for Cultural Education
The increasing need for artistic and cultural training in the area has prompted the board of directors to consider relocating the Youth and Children’s Choir and Orchestra to a larger facility, ensuring greater capacity and welcoming more aspiring musicians.
At present, the Punta Cana System manages:
- 250 active students enrolled
- 85 students on the waiting list
- 38 open spots for new orchestra members
Institutional Support and Staff Expansion
To strengthen the program’s academic structure, new teaching appointments were coordinated through the Ministry of Education (MINERD) in collaboration with the Matías Ramón Mella High School (Arts Modality, Music Major). This ensures the continuity and sustainability of a specialized faculty team dedicated to music education.
Infrastructure, Training, and Commitment
- 128 musical instruments are actively in use by children and youth, with another 15 under maintenance for upcoming incorporation.
- Students take an average of 6 hours of orchestral training weekly, including:
- 3 hours of instrument lessons
- 1 hour of music theory
- 2 hours of ensemble/group practice
At the Verón headquarters, the program offers:
- Two musical initiation groups (45 students each), receiving 6 hours of basic training weekly.
- A choral group of 80 students, dedicating 6 hours to rehearsal plus 1 additional hour for musical language.
- 15 piano students (1 hour weekly).
- 28 students in external programs (recorder and guitar), with 4 hours per week of instruction.
Enrollment is open for children and teens aged 7 to 17. Admission requires completing an online form, followed by evaluation and interviews. Once integrated, students commit to consistent attendance and academic discipline. After the basic cycle, they are assessed and assigned an instrument to join the orchestra.
Artistic Programming for 2025
The annual cultural program remains a pillar of the Punta Cana System:
- October: Violin master classes with Chilean maestro Rolando Nicolás Pacheco Moya.
- November 22: Gran Concierto del Día del Músico featuring all student divisions.
- Cello Festival with guest artists such as Dr. Ángela Holguín, Dr. Moisés Molina, and Dr. Menjung Seo, alongside Dominican and international musicians.
Faculty of Excellence
The teaching staff is composed of 14 highly trained professionals, including:
- Manuel Marcano (Academic Coordinator & Choir Director)
- Francisco Domínguez & Alejandro Bolívar (Cello)
- Raquel Payán (Voice & Musical Language)
- Daniela Becerra & Guillermo Rengifo (Musical Initiation)
- Helen Furones (Piano & Music History)
- Omar Suniaga (Orchestra Director, Violin & Viola)
- Kalani Paredes (Double Bass, Viola, Assistant Orchestra Director)
- Isabella Minozzi (Oboe)
- Magliana Quintero (Clarinet)
- Alfredo Sánchez (Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba & Flutes)
- Diosmari Marcano (Percussion)
- William Fariñas (Guitar)
A Cultural Investment in the Future of Punta Cana
With its expanding reach, committed teaching staff, and continued government support, the Punta Cana System is not only nurturing talented musicians but also building cultural identity and resilience in the Dominican Republic’s eastern region.
This educational and artistic initiative positions Punta Cana as a rising hub for youth orchestras and cultural development, making it a model program for the Caribbean.
