Why is it important for kids to learn how to play music? Will it impact one’s future or affect one’s life in any way?

According to Mount Carmel’s new band director, Moises Pacheco, “People need a creative outlet to express ideas which they cannot articulate.” He added, “Playing, as well as listening to music, enhances brain development.” With this mindset, Pacheco intends to influence his students through the power of music both within and outside the band room.

Growing up in Chicago, Pacheco developed a passion for music at an early age. The first instrument he played, at age 12,  was the guitar. “It was like I just instantly fell in love (playing a musical instrument for the first time).” As a result, Pacheco continued to develop his new found passion by playing in his church’s band, singing in his school’s choir, and also performing in a local jazz band. Along the way, not only did Pacheco play the guitar, he also dabbled in the drums and the trombone.

With 12 years of experience from which to draw, Pacheco wanted to further his music skills in college. He attended Moody Bible Institute (2002-2006) located on Chicago’s North Side, in hopes of majoring in guitar. However, in his freshman year, Pacheco was rejected from his audition and had to switch his major. This event motivated him to re-audition his sophomore year and he was ultimately accepted. However, instead of playing the guitar as he hoped, Pacheco was asked to step outside his comfort zone and learn to play the tuba in orchestral style music.

Due to his creativity and passion for teaching music, Pacheco landed the job at MC. As the new band director he has realistic expectations. “High school bands are far from professionals; nonetheless I love them.”

Still relatively young in age, Pacheco tries to keep up with modern day music, which he believes influences the younger generations more so than the older ones. ” Music is so much more ubiquitous than ever before. I didn’t have that growing up.”

He also is conscious of the impact music has on society: “It is incredibly vast, immeasurable; so much of our beliefs (are based on) what we listen to. Everything in this world is affected by how we perceive it relating to music.”

Overall, Pacheco really bases his instructional style on connecting modern and classical types of music. His goal however, is for his students to be able to play at performance – based events, “at which the audience solely focuses on us. That is what we ultimately hope to achieve.” By pursuing this goal, Pacheco and his crew strive daily to improve.