Rotarians Converge on Conservatory of Music

More than 50 Rotarians and guests took part in the San Juan Rotary field trip to the recently refurbished Conservatory of Music in San Juan. Margo Sila, Public Relations Director of the Conservatory led an informative and intriguing tour of the landmark location that was built by the Spaniards in 1880. It first served as an all-girls school, and then in 1898 as an orphanage for girls, before it was turned into a rehabilitation center some 30 years later. In 1998 it became the Conservatory of Music, where 500 students study at university level to acquire a Bachelor's of Music surrounded in a repertoire that includes classical, jazz, Caribbean and pop music. The school attracts students primarily from Latin America. Its annual budget of $8 million is funded by legislative grants (65%) and donors. Its cost is $75 per credit due to its one-to-one student ratio for advanced instrument instruction is involved.

After the tour, the group moved to the neighboring YWCA where Club Secretary Juanita Morris (President of the YWCA), and enjoyed a delicious box lunch catered by Subway store owner, SJ Rotary Past President Luis Marti.

Special thanks fot Carmen Hammel who made all the arrangements for the memorable and enjoyable field trip.