Spring 2025 Open House
Our semi annual open house will be May 2nd, 5:30 pm at St James Episcopal Church. The show begins at 5:30, starting with the K-1st grade class and culminating with not one, but 2 garage bands this year! The whole showcase should take around an hour. Audra Rodgers, our executive director, will be saying few words about the school and it’s goals for the next year. Immediately following the showcase will be a Frito Pie dinner in the Parish Hall. There will be vegetarian options available, as well as desserts. Please bring a hungry belly! Donations are encouraged to offset our cost of putting the meal on, but are in no way required. Please, invite your friends and family for this community event!
Sullivan Fortner Jazz Workshop
We are so excited to be offering a special jazz workshop for children! Sullivan Fortner and his Trio will be at St James Episcopal Church from 4-5 pm on Friday September 29th.
About the Workshop
We are so excited to be offering a special jazz workshop for children. Sullivan Fortner and his Trio will be at St James Episcopal Church from 4-5 pm on Friday September 29th. The workshop will be an interactive demonstration style experience where Sullivan will introduce and demonstrate Jazz concepts. Please arrive a few minutes early to assure a prompt start time, as we only have these very special musicians for an hour! St James has been gracious enough to allow us to use their beautiful Sanctuary for this experience. All ages and experience levels are welcome. We do ask that young children are attended by an adult. We hope to see you there!
About Sullivan
Per the Taos News: “Lauded as one of the top jazz pianists of his generation, Sullivan Fortner is recognized for his virtuosic technique and captivating performances. His music embodies the essence of the blues and jazz as he connects music of all eras and genres through his improvisation.
A Grammy Award-winning artist, originally from New Orleans, for the past decade, Sullivan Fortner has been stretching his deep-rooted talents as a pianist, composer, band leader and uncompromising individualist. In his own words: “Growing up in New Orleans was really influential to me because New Orleans' music is very social music. People dance to the music. That taught me the functionality of music — just to play for people.” Clearly, it’s that and more for Fortner… much more. Pulling distinct elements from different eras and musical genres, Fortner’s artistry preserves traditions while evolving the sound. He roams among different musical styles and finds connections through his curiosity and clarity. His performances combine wildly inventive musical connections with a soulful and disarmingly down-to-earth persona”
Spring 2019: Raising Community and School Support
2019 brings the Taos Youth Music School an opportunity for growth! We are celebrating our 20th year bringing the gift of music into the lives of our children and families! What a long and groovy road we are gettin’ down on! We will be hosting a variety of events to benefit TYMS and bring some culture, class and fun to the community. So stay in touch and get ready to boogie!
TYMS Fundraiser: Raffle for Electric Guitar - August 25th
Help support TYMS and buy a chance to win this beautiful instrument!
The Prize: ESP 256 model Professional Quality electric guitar: mahagony body and neck with flame maple carved top; superior electronics, dual humbuckers with coil tapping. A truly top shelf instrument made from gorgeous, fine tone woods. Raffle Tickets are $5 each.
Help support TYMS and buy a chance to win this beautiful instrument!
The Prize: ESP 256 model Professional Quality electric guitar: mahagony body and neck with flame maple carved top; superior electronics, dual humbuckers with coil tapping. A truly top shelf instrument made from gorgeous, fine tone woods.
Raffle Tickets are $5 each.
The winner will be announced on August 25th, TYMS fall registration day. You need not be present to win.
For tickets, contact Scott Kesson at 575-758-2076 or Gwen Thompson by email at taosyouthmusicschool@yahoo.com.
BIG Thank You to Scott Kesson!
After ten years of teaching, Scott Kessin is retiring from TYMS. Scott has been an invaluable member of the TYMS family . He brings not only technical and artistic skill to his work, but an uncanny ability to connect with students. Scott has mentored too many TYMS students to name, guiding young people in their musical journey and inspiring them to explore all that making music has to offer.
After ten years of teaching, Scott Kessin is retiring from TYMS. Scott has been an invaluable member of the TYMS family . He brings not only technical and artistic skill to his work, but an uncanny ability to connect with students. Scott has mentored too many TYMS students to name, guiding young people in their musical journey and inspiring them to explore all that making music has to offer. Outside of the classroom, Scott has set up and taken down countless TYMS events, and promoted TYMS at musical events throughout the community year after year. Scott has been integral in fundraising events for the school as well. We thank you Scott for your great service to TYMS!
TYMS announces the hiring of two new talented teachers
TYMS is growing! We are thrilled to have hired two very talented young teachers, both graduates of the highly respected Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Sarah Martinez and Ryan Beckwith bring with them not only talent and extensive musical knowledge, but a great passion for teaching young people. Sarah is a native Taoseña and is eager to introduce the love of music to young people in her hometown. Please see the Teachers & Board page for more information about Sarah and Ryan and to hear a sample of their work.
TYMS is growing! We are thrilled to have hired two very talented young teachers, both graduates of the highly respected Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Sarah Martinez and Ryan Beckwith bring with them not only talent and extensive musical knowledge, but a great passion for teaching young people. Sarah is a native Taosena and is eager to introduce the love of music to young people in her hometown. Please see the Teachers & Board tab for more information about Sarah and Ryan and to hear a sample of their work.
Announcing TYMS's Fall 2014 Offerings - including new classes!
Fall of 2014 marks the start of our 15th year making music in Taos!
We are excited to offer new classes this fall - to meet the interests of our students:
1. Beginning Guitar (6th - 12th grades
2. Advanced Garage Band (6th-12 grades)
3. Percussion (6th - 12th grades)
4. And we are reshaping what has been 4th/5th grade music education to focus the curriculum on a choir, for grades 3 through 6th.
Fall of 2014 marks the start of our 15th year making music in Taos!
We are excited to offer new classes this fall - to meet the interests of our students.
1. Beginning Guitar (6th - 12th grades)
2. Advanced Garage Band (6th-12 grades)
3. Percussion (6th - 12th grades)
4. And we are reshaping what has been 4th/5th grade music education to focus the curriculum on a choir, for grades 3 through 6th.
Our full schedule of classes this fall is as follows:
K/1 Music Education
2 /3 Music Education
Choir - for grades 3rd through 6th (new curriculum!)
Youth Choir - for grades 6th - 12th
Beginning Guitar - for grades 6th - 12th (new class!)
Intermediate Guitar - for grades 6th - 12th
Garage Band - for grades 6th - 12th
Advanced Garage Band - for grades 6th -12th (new class!)
Percussion - for grades 6th - 12th (new class!)
Registration for the Fall semester will be held on August 25th.
Classes begin September 2nd.
PLEASE contact us if interested in the new classes or to pre-register for Fall. Check back for scheduling information. (See our Registration page for more info on how to register.)
Thank You for Giving Grande, NM!
Thanks to YOU we raised $825 from 16 donors in the first ever statewide day of philanthropy in our state, Give Grande New Mexico. These funds make Taos Youth Music School possible! Thank you for your support and we look forward to next year!
Thanks to YOU we raised $825 from 16 donors in the first ever statewide day of philanthropy in our state, Give Grande New Mexico. These funds make Taos Youth Music School possible! Thank you for your support and we look forward to next year!
Spring 2014 Open House was a great success
Once again TYMS students and teachers put on a truly terrific show in our Spring 2014 Open House performance. All classes had a great showing! After the performance, friends and family gathered for frito pies and sweet treats, raising funds for the program. Thank you to all who helped make this a success!
Once again TYMS students and teachers put on a truly terrific show in our Spring 2014 Open House performance. The event was MC'd by TYMS Board members Melissa Cummings, Tom Ford, and student Board representative Elizabeth Pacheco. All classes had a great showing, and made some magnificent music, showcasing what they've learned this semester. After the performance, friends and family gathered for frito pies and sweet treats, raising funds for the program. Thank you to all who helped make this a success!
Give Grande New Mexico - May 6th
Over 100 communities across the US will host local giving events on May 6th to support local causes and organizations. Each local gift will be amplified with dollars from a national incentive pool of funds, plus New Mexico will have its own, additional incentive prizes! Please support TYMS on this important day by making a gift online - and please share the information with everyone you know, both in state and out! Together, we can make a huge difference for TYMS and for philanthropy in New Mexico!
TYMS participates in NM's First statewide giving day!
The Community Foundation Coalition of New Mexico, comprised of the Albuquerque, Taos, Southern New Mexico, New Mexico and Santa Fe Community Foundations, is supporting New Mexico to participate in a national day of community giving on May 6th, 2014. The nationwide initiative, Give Local America, also takes place May 6, 2014. Over 100 communities across the US will host local giving events to support local causes and organizations. Each local gift will be amplified with dollars from a national incentive pool of funds, plus New Mexico will have its own, additional incentive prizes!
This 24-hour event will raise as much money as possible for our local nonprofits via online fundraising. It will reignite the spirit of giving in our communities and provide opportunities for statewide nonprofits to get their creative juices flowing, while creating fun, engaging events for donors, old and new.
Please support TYMS on this important day by making a gift online - and please share the information with everyone you know, both in state and out! Together, we can make a huge difference for TYMS and for philanthropy in New Mexico!
Fall 2013 at TYMS
Fall 2013 classes began - our fourteenth year of bringing kids and music together in Taos. We once again offered six classes, with plans to expand the program for next year. There are some event highlights from the semester.
Fall 2013 classes began - our fourteenth year of bringing kids and music together in Taos. We once again offered six classes, with plans to expand the program for next year. There are some event highlights from the semester.
December 2013
TYMS performed at the annual Town of Taos Christmas Tree Lighting to ring in the holidays. Scott Kesson braved the cold and led TYMS students along with the Girl and Boy Scouts in Christmas Caroling for the crowd. Our students did an outstanding job as part of a long-time Taos tradition.
December 8
Our Open House celebrated the hard work our students in all classes achieved over the course of the fall semester. The concert was outstanding, a true showcase of the teaching and learning happening at TYMS. The event was MC-ed by Board members Anna Mae Patterson and Melissa Cummings. Afterwards, friends and family gathered for baked goods - a bake sale raised funds for the program.
December 10
TYMS participated in a fundraising event at Wendy’s in December. We received 10% of all sales from the night, and were pleased to see so many of our TYMS families and friends head over to buy a burger and Frosty! Scott Kesson played Christmas songs to the delight of the diners. Many thanks to Board members Pam and Tom Ford and Angela Pacheco for organizing this event.
TYMS Spring 2013 Events
In February, as is our tradition, the Garage Band created a rolicking atmosphere for the annual St. James Mardi Gras event. They brought down the house! March offered a special opportunity for our Youth Choir and in summer students and families enjoyed a trip to the opera!
In February, as is our tradition, the Garage Band created a rolicking atmosphere for the annual St. James Mardi Gras event. They brought down the house!
March 2013 brought another terrific fundraiser as the Youth Choir opened up for the one and only Taos Gospel Choir. It was an afternoon full of soulful and lively music, and a great fundraiser for TYMS! Thanks to Mary Bruschini and the Taos Gospel Choir!
Summer brought another opportunity for several TYMS families to attend the Santa Fe Opera courtesy of the Taos Opera Guild. Our families are so appreciative of the chance to experience world-class performances. Thank you to TOG.
TYMS Students: "Here Comes the Sun"
Young TYMS students present "Here Comes the Sun" in concert!
Summer and Fall 2012 at TYMS
TYMS students, faculty, staff and families have been busy this summer and fall. Read on for all the details!
In summer of 2012, over 20 TYMS students and families were treated to Santa Fe Opera tickets for performances of Tosca and The Pearl Fishers, courtesy of the Taos Opera Guild. We are so grateful to the Opera Guild for their continued generosity!
For the first time, TYMS had a presence at the Touch-a-Truck event in September 2012, a Taos-community-wide event. This was an excellent opportunity to promote our program to the youth of Taos. Also in September, the Youth Choir performed for the Kiwanis Club dinner. Although it was early in the year, the group made an excellent impression on this long-standing Taos organization.
And once again, in October of 2012, we held another pancake breakfast at Applebee’s netting close to $1,000. Special thanks to Angela Pacheco for her tireless efforts to coordinate the events, and to the many families who sold tickets, volunteered and ate pancakes!
Another first this year – TYMS participated in the Christmas event at the Taos Youth and Family Center. This was a great opportunity to introduce our program to children and families. Special thanks to Scott Kesson and Angela Pacheco for representing TYMS so well.
The Youth Choir performed at the Lions’ Club annual Christmas event at Old Martina’s Hall in December. It was a packed house, and our beautiful singers made the event even more festive.
Busy Spring 2012!
Raffle, public performances, visiting musicians and more!
In spring of 2012 we once again raffled off an electric guitar, courtesy of Scott Kesson. The proceeds from this raffle totaled $1495.
Taos Gospel Choir performed at St. James with the Youth Choir opening up in March of 2012. This terrific event was a fundraiser for TYMS and raised $780.
The semester was off to a good start on the heels of another successful end of semester Open House and a festive spaghetti dinner, celebrating community and music. Special thanks to Board member Melissa Cummings for organizing the event, and to Diana Sakai of Nu Garden for generously donating her catering services.
The Garage Band had several opportunities to perform in the community. They performed at the St. James Mardi Gras event in February, 2012, to the delight of the whole crowd! Students also performed for the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in February of 2012.
Visiting musicians come to TYMS: Father and son traveling musicians Ed and Neil Pearlman came to the school and put on a concert with fiddle and piano for the students and the community. This was very well received by all, and demonstrated excitement and interest in violin and piano as possible future enhancements to our program. This is event was coordinated with a local after school program run by the rural library association.
Garage Band 101 and 102 performed at Night of 1,000 Stars in April 2012. This was a sold out performance at the Taos Community Auditorium, highlighting youth talent and creativity in Taos County.
In March, TYMS held a pancake breakfast which raised close to $900 and was attended by numerous TYMS families.
The Fourth/Fifth grade class opened for local band Zanagroove at El Gamal. It was a packed house and the crowd loved the opening act! This was a really exciting opportunity for our younger students to perform in the community.
TYMS Hoefner Guitar Raffle - January 31, 2012
TYMS is raffling off a Hoefner Guitar, valued at $700. This exceptionally beautiful and brand new guitar can either be tuned to acoustic or jazz format.
Tickets can be purchased for $5.00. Raffle tickets are available by calling Anna Mae Patterson at 575-758-3400 or emailing Angela Pacheco at locoelk@yahoo.com.
The drawing will be held on January 31st, 2012.
12th Annual Fall Open House + Fundraising events
The 12th Annual Fall Class Recital Open House took place at St. James Episcopal Church at 3:00 pm Saturday, December 10, 2011. Each of the 6 classes performed the songs, dances and skits they had learned this term. Over 100 parents and community supporters enjoyed the high energy recital. Many said it was the best performance ever by each class!
A special feature of the recital was Teacher Scott Kesson playing the Hoefner Guitar, valued at $700, which is being raffled for $5.00 per ticket. This exceptionally beautiful and brand new guitar can either be tuned to acoustic or jazz format. Raffle tickets are available by calling Anna Mae Patterson at 575-758-3400 or emailing Angela Pacheco at locoelk@yahoo.com. The drawing will be held January 6, 2012.
Afterward, the first annual Spaghetti Dinner, cost $6.00 per person, fed more than 70 people. All food and drink were donated by parents and friends. Dianna Sakai of NuGarden led the kitchen brigade which provided generous portions of spaghetti and sauce, romaine salad with ranch or ceasar dressing, garlic bread, coffee, tea, water and sodas. Angela Pacheco pointed out the Spaghetti Dinner, the idea of Board Member Melissa Cummings, was to offer a time of fellowship and to build community among the TYMS parents and students. A good time was had by all and raised $427.00 for TYMS.
Many parents and grandparents also brought beautiful and tasty baked goods for the first annual Holiday Bake Sale which raised $390.00 for TYMS.
Thanks to TYMS Board members and spouses and all the parents and friends that made these events happen with so much fun!
TYMS Garage Band Performs at Taos Plaza Live
On June 3rd, 2010, the TYMS Garage Band 103 performed at the prestigious Taos Plaza Live concert series. The band played brilliantly and the crowd of enthusiastic music lovers enjoyed the music. This was a bittersweet gig for the band as all four band members (Harlan Kesson, Daniel Cruz, Sam Bebout and Elon Bauer) are graduating and going on to bigger and better things. Congratulations to these fine young musicians and many thanks for all the great music you made at TYMS. We will miss you!
Taos Youth Music School Garage Band 103. Garduationg Seniors, Spring 2010