Conservatory of Tolima facts for kids
The Conservatory of Tolima is a very important music school in Colombia. It's known for teaching many talented musicians.
This special school started a long time ago. Its earliest roots were in a music school for string instruments and piano, created by the Melendro and Sicard families. This led to the creation of the Colegio San Simón. The Conservatory's official beginning was an Academy of Music, which was created by a rule called Ordinance No. 22 in 1889. Then, on April 22, 1893, Governor José I. Camacho officially named Maestro Temístocles Vargas as its first principal.
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A Look Back at the Conservatory's History
The Academy of Music had to close for a while when the Thousand Days' War broke out. It reopened in 1906, becoming part of the Orchestra School led by Maestro Alberto Castilla. Some people believed the Conservatory started in 1906 because of stories passed down through generations. However, historians like Héctor Villegas, who was a principal and teacher there, found documents showing the earlier start date of 1893. The book "Itinerary of a Feat: History of the Tolima Music Conservatory" by Carlos Orlando Pardo Viña also confirms this earlier date.
The Era of Amina Melendro de Pulecio
From 1959 until 1998, the Conservatory of Tolima was led by Amina Melendro de Pulecio. Before becoming the principal, she was a piano teacher and the vice principal. She also started the High School of Music, which is now known as the Conservatory of Ibagué. Thanks to her efforts, the Conservatory became a university of music in 1983.
For many years, the Conservatory hosted an International Choir Contest in Ibagué. Choirs from different countries in the Americas and Europe came to participate. In 1994, the Conservatory was declared a National Monument, meaning it's a very important historical site. Its Alberto Castilla Hall was also recognized as a masterpiece of architecture and design.
The Conservatory Building Today
The Conservatory is located in a building that has a beautiful Republican style. It was built with strong materials like adobe and rammed earth in some parts. It has wooden floors and a roof made of clay tiles, with false ceilings inside. This building used to be a Normal School and even a monastery run by the Marist Brothers.
Today, the Conservatory of Tolima offers excellent education in music. Students can learn how to perform music, produce sound, and much more. It's a place where young musicians can develop their talents and prepare for a career in music.
Images for kids
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The beautiful Alberto Castilla Hall, seen from the audience seats.
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The Alberto Castilla Hall, viewed from the orchestra's perspective.
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Amina Melendro de Pulecio, a key leader of the Conservatory.
See also
In Spanish: Conservatorio del Tolima para niños
