Marimba magic

Music brings out best in parish youth

by Elisabeth Román

Imagine a group of kids from a poor neighborhood of Chicago recording CDs and taking tours around the country. Although clearly happy about the result, this was not what Claretian Father Bruce Wellems intended when he founded the Marimba Ensemble at Holy Cross/Immaculate Heart of Mary. What he did intend was to give young people a place to develop their talents in a safe environment away from the dangerous streets of the neighborhood.

The Marimba Ensemble has been delighting church-goers and audiences in Chicago and throughout the country since 1991. Through the years the ensemble has steadily grown and today has 35 players ranging in ages from 13 to 25. They play the marimba—an instrument similar to the xylophone used especially in Latin American and African music—exclusively by rote and have developed an extraordinary performance repertoire and an equally impressive reputation.

Fabián García joined the band in 1997 at the age of 14 and now manages its schedule. Veteran performers like García help teach new band members, although he admits he can’t read music. García says being a part of the Marimba Ensemble has helped open his eyes to the possibilities around him and to learn how to communicate. “I am teaching and guiding other kids, so it has taught me to be a leader.” He has spent most of his life living in the neighborhood and is establishing his own business in computer orientation. “The band taught me to pursue my goals and gave me something to look forward to.”

The repertoire of the band includes Mexican and Caribbean as well as popular music and intricate classical pieces. The group has released two CDs, Marimbas Fantasticas I and II, both a blend of delightful melodies and skillful playing. Proceeds from the sales go to a scholarship fund for the parish youth and to help finance the band tours. For more information or CD purchase visit hcihm.org.