Each spring, the streets of San Francisco’s Mission District come alive with celebrations during Carnaval San Francisco, a two-day festival that highlights the diversity of the city’s Latin American communities. This year, the Mission District Young Musicians Program (MDYMP)—a tuition-free CMC program that provides culturally relevant music training to Mission youth—will take the stage alongside an exciting and expanded group from CMC. Thanks to a partnership with Thurgood Marshall High School and Dolores Huerta Elementary, students from CMC’s Young Musicians Program (YMP) jazz and wind ensembles will also join in, forming a vibrant CMC–SFUSD contingent. For the first time, the group will perform on a float, made possible by SunBum, a generous sponsor through Thurgood Marshall.
For Eva “Nena” Aldaz, Carnaval is more than just a performance; it’s personal. Nena, who teaches singing at MDYMP, was once a student in the program herself. “It’s really special for me to return and teach students from my own neighborhood,” Nena shared. “These students remind me so much of myself at that age. I love seeing the sense of accomplishment they feel when they finally get a song right and watching how much they love to learn. Just like me, they begin to feel a connection with their community through their performances.”
Now on the other side of the classroom, Nena has a deeper appreciation for the dedication her own mentors showed.“I also see all the work my teachers put in behind the scenes to make sure the experience was not only educational but also fun! I remember my teacher Martha challenging me to sing harmonies because she knew I had the musical ear for it. Now, as a teacher, I make sure that each of my singers feels equally challenged.”
MDYMP’s performance at Carnaval is the result of months of hard work. Students diligently practice music, learn to play together as a group, and explore the deep roots of Latin music. “Everyone loves being in the parade,” Nena said. “The students look forward to it all year. Carnaval is the biggest cultural event that they take part in, and since most (if not all) of the students are Latine, it feels powerful to showcase and celebrate the beauty of our diaspora. On the opposite side, through the community’s lens, it encourages people of all generations to get in touch with their roots. It’s an event that unifies people – regardless of if you’re Latine or not. Music is a universal language, and it’s accessible to all. It is truly meaningful work.”
For the MDYMP student Lola Castro, Carnaval is unforgettable. “Every year, I get the opportunity to participate in a display of the array of Latino cultures in San Francisco through music.” she said. “To me, it means that I get to carry on a long-standing tradition of my ancestors. When I come to Carnaval, I remember how grateful I am for being able to share this tradition with others from the stage. Connecting with the people in the Mission District in this way, seeing everyone dancing and singing along, motivates me to come back each year. ”
As Carnaval approaches, students are busy rehearsing. They’re not just preparing to perform, they’re preparing to inspire. “My favorite part of Carnaval is seeing what other performers have been working on,” Lola said. “It pushes me to keep improving and create something beautiful, too.
MDYMP, along with teaching music, helps students build confidence, leadership, and a strong cultural connection. They study a variety of styles, including classical, pop, and Latin music, while also learning teamwork and discipline. “There’s plenty to learn from being in MDYMP. The program enriches students with exploring diverse styles of music, composition, and so much more,” mentioned Lola. “Music is a big part of who I am. It’s made me more confident and expressive, and I’m proud of what I’ve learned.”
Programs like MDYMP are essential in making music education accessible, relevant, and empowering for youth. “Everyone deserves music education, but not everyone can afford it,” Nena said. “When I was a student, my single mother struggled to find opportunities for me to learn music. I was able to get a scholarship to a choir – and while I loved that music too, it was nothing like what I was able to learn in MDYMP. It helped to foster not only community, but a strong pride in my heritage. We learned to appreciate the diversity and embrace the facets that make us different, because it only made us stronger together.”
In a city where not everyone has access to the arts, MDYMP proves what can happen when young people are supported and encouraged to shine. As Nena says: “When kids have this kind of support, like I did, they can create a brighter future; for themselves and for all of us.”