Conjunto Heritage Taller

PLAY IT FORWARD!

The Conjunto Heritage Taller (CHT) has always been a beacon
of tradition and community, preserving the unique sounds of conjunto music in
the heart of San Antonio. Established in 2002, CHT has been dedicated to
passing down the rich musical heritage of conjunto, a genre deeply rooted in
the cultural fabric of South Texas. What started as a humble effort to teach
the iconic sounds of the accordion and bajo sexto to students of all ages has
now blossomed into a vibrant community of musicians, young and old, who are
keeping the soul of conjunto alive for future generations.

In 2023, CHT took a historic step by moving into its new
home at the legendary Lerma’s Nite Club, a venue that has been a cornerstone of
San Antonio’s Conjunto musical history for over six decades. Lerma’s, once a
thriving hotspot for conjunto musicians and fans, had closed its doors in 2010.
But thanks to a citywide preservation effort, this iconic venue was restored to
its former glory, reopening its doors to the community as a cultural hub. Now,
as CHT makes its home in this cherished building, it feels as though the
heartbeat of conjunto music has returned to its roots, echoing through the same
walls that once hosted the legends of the genre.

With this new chapter comes a bold initiative: the “Play It
Forward!" campaign. This campaign represents CHT’s commitment to making
conjunto music accessible to more students than ever before while ensuring they
have the tools and support, they need to succeed. The funds raised through
"Play It Forward!" will be used to purchase essential instruments
like accordions and bajos, as well as a much-needed PA system for use during
performances at community events, where our students can share their music with
the world.

A key part of the "Play It Forward!" initiative is
empowering students to truly make these instruments their own. Through this
campaign, students will have the opportunity to purchase their instruments
through low monthly installments, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand
in the way of their musical journey. With a commitment to stay enrolled in
classes for 12 to 18 months, students can learn, practice, and ultimately own
the instruments they’ve grown to love—all while receiving top-notch instruction
from master musician, and multiple Conjunto Hall of Famer – Bene Medina, Joey
Villanueva, a CHT alumnus, and our newest instructor, Ryan Ortiz. And,
importantly, CHT remains committed to keeping these classes free of charge,
ensuring that every student has access to this invaluable musical education.

The significance of this campaign extends far beyond just
purchasing instruments. It's about investing in the next generation of conjunto
musicians and creating opportunities for young people—especially girls and
women—to explore and excel in this traditionally male-dominated genre. It’s
about preserving a musical tradition that is as vital today as it was when it
first took root in the dance halls and family gatherings of South Texas.
Through performances at festivals, community events, and, of course, at Lerma’s
itself, CHT’s students will continue to inspire and unite audiences, showcasing
the timeless beauty of conjunto music.

The Taller settled into its new home at Lerma’s, and now, it
also embarks on a journey to "Play It Forward," ensuring that
conjunto remains an enduring legacy for future generations. The instruments,
the lessons, the performances, and the stories shared along the way will weave
together a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and community. And with the
support of donors, volunteers, and the people of San Antonio, CHT will continue
to keep conjunto music alive and thriving for many years to come.

Now, more than ever, the Conjunto Heritage Taller invites
the community to join in this campaign—to play it forward, to make a
difference, and to be part of the story that continues to shape San Antonio’s conjunto
musical legacy. Whether through a donation, monthly, or simply spreading the
word, every contribution helps ensure that conjunto music remains a vital and
cherished part of our cultural landscape.

Join us in "Play It Forward!" and help us keep the
music playing for generations to come!

Our goal is to raise approximately $17,000 for these expenses. We need your support to make this happen! 

We have outlined some suggested, item-specific donation levels, but donations of any amount are appreciated and will benefit the Conjunto Heritage Taller to PLAY IT FORWARD, ultimately strengthening our efforts in preserving and perpetuating traditional conjunto music.

As a "Thank You" for the generous support towards our relocation and expansion efforts, the board of directors, staff, instructors, and students of the Conjunto Heritage Taller, invite you to join us on Saturday, November 9th, at 5 pm for our Fall Conjunto Jam and Celebration of Life. This will be a special musical presentation for our supporters and community, featuring CHT students, instructors and other local acts. Again, thank you so much for your g…