The Transformative Power of Music: César Castro Shares the Impact on K-12 Education

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César Castro, known as “Jarochelo”, shares his experience on the importance of music at the K-12 levels

For César Castro, from the son jarocho group Cambalache and podcast creator, the lack of art and music programs in K-12 schools is unfortunate. “I have gone to school and seen that the children lack programs, the instruments have been spoiled,” he says.

Castro believes that this harms children. “An art program is as important as math. It leaves many benefits for children. Art should be part of schools like other subjects,” he adds.

Castro, known as Jarochelo, has been in charge of spreading son jarocho and fandango in Southern California. During the summer programs he goes to different schools to share that part of his Mexican roots. “Children show a connection with their grandparents, with their culture,” he says.

César began to relate to music at the age of 13 in his native Veracruz, Mexico. “I was able to have fun with music, play, relate to others. Without using my ego. That marked me. I see that through music children develop their social side, they put aside the phone and the tablet. Music and the arts support other things. Children’s psychomotor development, physical activity, self-esteem,” thus emphasizing the importance of Proposition 28. “That’s why I like to teach, because I think this can change children’s lives. It changed my life.”

Austin Beutner leads the charge for arts and music for all students in California