A Letter From Belen

Dear Friends,

I have always been a loud and curious person, but that has never stopped me from feeling self-doubt. Throughout my life I have always been eager, but second guessing myself or feeling like I don’t do good enough has stopped me from attempting many things and it’s still an issue I struggle with. As the years go by, YAMA reassures me that I am capable. “Salut d'Amour” by Edward Elgar is a difficult piece to play for a variety of reasons: shifts, bow changes, accidentals, dynamic changes. I remember looking at this piece being handed out and being intimidated, but I felt really determined to learn it: and I did! I remember thinking to myself: “If I was shown this music eight years ago, and was told that I was going to play this when I was older, I sincerely wouldn’t have believed it.” But YAMA’s amazing cello teacher practiced it with us until I was able to play it from memory! 

One particular practice the orchestra was preparing for an upcoming concert was an improvisation piece, which meant no music to read off of. All the YAMA students were tasked with making up our own little jam to play on top of the backing track, so it was just you individually on top of the music while everyone else played quietly. I was mortified and I asked if I could just play a few notes. The teachers said I could, but they encouraged me to play a full bar because they knew I was capable. So I practiced and practiced, consulting with my teachers along the way, and at the performance, I played an entire bar of improvised notes all by myself. I was supported throughout the entire process, and I knew the same community that pushed me to do a scary thing would be right behind me cheering me on, because that’s just what YAMA does.

Joining YAMA was the best decision I continuously make throughout the years. I’ve gotten to play alongside Nathan Chan in the Seattle Symphony, led the cello section at a concert with a single breath, conducted the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, gone on trips and performed for schools, museums, and more. This has led me to even be a section leader in the school orchestra as a sophomore. All of these experiences are things I would have never in my wildest dreams would have thought I would be able to do, which has been made possible with YAMA’s support. I have learned amazing skills that have led me to discover one of my biggest passions–music–while finding a community and a home. YAMA has given me many lessons and tools that extend beyond music and out to my life. Would you join me to help inspire other students at YAMA to reignite their confidence with an uplifting community and the passion of music?

Sincerely,

Belen Barrera, YAMA Class of ‘28

Belen (right) busking with her YAMA cello section at the Ellensburg Farmers Market