Nacha Mendez Music Scholarship recipient Elena Roybal with her orchestra teacher Michelle Rosette. Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

Aspen Elementary School 6th grader Elena Roybal has been awarded a Nacha Mendez Music Scholarship. She will receive a first-place level scholarship in the younger girl category in the amount of $2,000. The NMMS Awards Ceremony will be held May 9 at SITE Santa Fe.

“Music runs deep in my blood,” Roybal said. “I really want to get better at playing the violin. I want to learn and play more challenging music. I hope I can continue participating in the orchestra in middle school next year and later in high school.”

Roybal started playing violin in 4th grade at Aspen and has played for three years in elementary school. She also performs with the Los Alamos Youth Orchestra (LAYO).

“It is marvelous that LAPS starts orchestra in 4th grade; the earlier students start on string instruments (violin, viola, cello), the greater chance they have of becoming very good on their instrument,” Aspen orchestra teacher Michelle Rosette said. “Most schools have students beginning band and orchestra instruments at a much later age. LAPS students are very lucky to have the support we do from our administration and community.”

Rosette added, “In the Los Alamos schools orchestra starts in 4th grade (because stringed instruments come in various sizes) and band starts in 5th grade (band instruments only come in one size and students have to be big enough to play a band instrument). Elena is a beneficiary of this policy as she has only learned via her school orchestra.”

With her $2,000 award money, Roybal said she hopes to enroll in some private lessons and perhaps purchase a new violin.

“Elena has been very focused, motivated and consistent on her violin since she started in 4th grade. She has a natural talent and she practices every day – an unbeatable combination,” Rosette said. “Elena deserved to win.”

This is the first year the Nacha Mendez Music Scholarship for New Mexican Girls of Color is being awarded. Mendez is a singer/songwriter whose music was aired on the first annual Latin Grammy Awards on CBS and who has performed locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Mendez describes the purpose of her scholarship by saying, “My mission is to encourage and promote the art of instrumental and vocal performance in girls, ages 8-15, in the state of New Mexico. I expect the recipients of the Nacha Mendez Music Scholarship for New Mexican Girls of Color to master the skills and acquire the knowledge to help guide them to the highest levels of music performance. I also aim to empower girls to discover their distinct and unique musical potential for years to come. I believe that when a girl has passion, dedication, and support, opportunity multiplies.”

For more information, go to ​​https://nachamendez.com/home.