When orchestras ruled Belizean dance-halls, players of Accordions were prized musicians. Those who had mastered the complex techniques of the bellowed contraption often occupied center stage with the instrument's hearty sound. Now it's so hard to find an accordion player that one of the last masters, Mr. Peters says even his son doesn't want to play it. But the culture gurus at the House of Culture in Benque Viejo are trying to re-awaken interest in the accordion, and they've brought in a music professor from Colombia to offer training. Maestro Antonio Salas has been holding accordion training sessions at the Benque Veijo House of Culture since June 30th. He's here for six weeks, and Salas is leading 10 children through 6 hour classes daily. Two of his young students have embraced the instrument - even if it is heavy for some of the younger ones:
Jose Collado, Accordion Student
I would like more youths to participate in the music and like that so that they get the knowledge so that it is preserved.
Juan Pablo Collado, Accordion Student
I see the Accordian music as something nice to this country, to learn different cultures and different types of music. Like we are learning from Columbian music. To me it has been a very nice experience and I would really like this music, I would really like to know more about this music and practice more.
Maestro Salas returns to the Baranquilla District's Cultural Institute at mid-month.