Good evening, and thank you for being here tonight to celebrate and support such an incredible music school, a school filled with opportunities for all kids. I'm so grateful to have been invited to so many Creative Arts Studio events.
This is a place that welcomes every child, those with special needs, those who have never picked up an instrument before, and those who are already shining on stage, performing and singing and playing with passion.
I've been around this school for many years, and continue to support everything they do Because I truly believe that kids need all kinds of opportunities. While many children play sports, and that's wonderful, there are also so many who love and connect through music. I've witnessed the results, the fruit of all the lessons, encouragements and dedications that go into the school. And I have to say, I've never seen a staff quite like the one at the Creative Arts Studio, including their founders, Anna and Augusto. Can have a round of applause for them?
I have seen them pour so much time, effort, love, and cariño into everything that they do. I truly believe that it is because of the amazing staff that they have, that this studio has become the premier school in our area, a place where children discover their talents, build confidence and find joy through music. It's inspiring to see how the teachers, staff and everyone involved give of themselves for the kids in this community. The passion doesn't just teach music, it changes lives.
The school serves an important purpose for all kids, the ones who want to sing, dance, perform, start a band, or simply experience the joy in healing that comes from music. Study after study shows what we already know in our hearts, that music helps children grow, learn and become the best versions of themselves. It builds confidence, discipline, creativity and emotional strength.
Judge Richard Cortez, my colleague, Commissioner Torres and I have taken true ownership of everything that Creative Arts Studio is working to achieve. We want this school to prosper. We want it to grow into the greatest music school south of New York City and east of LA. As Augusto has often told me, the dream is to see the Tejano, mariachi and Norteño music of our community rise in the same level of recognition and excellence as the Broadway musicals of New York and the Hollywood productions of LA. Why can't Creative Art Studios be the place where the next generation of Norteño music is born and perfected?
And, of course, they do so much more than Norteno music, but I believe this style is something truly special, something that reflects the heart and soul of our region. It's bigger and prouder and stronger than ever before.
Tonight, we'll even hear a story of an incredible, successful artist (Bobby Pulido) who came right out of Edinburg, Texas, a living testimony to what can happen when talent, hard work and good looks meets opportunities. I know you are here, somewhere. You can thank me later for that compliment. And I believe there are many success stories waiting to be written here at our very own Creative Arts Studio.
So tonight, as we celebrate this amazing school, let's remember that when we invest in music we are investing in our kids, in their minds, their hearts and their future. And, of course, all the glory to God. Music has always been one of God's favorite languages, from the beginning of time creation itself was made to sing. In the Bible, music isn't just for celebration, it's also for healing, courage and hope. When David played his harp, he solved troubled spirit with peace. When Paul and Silas sang in prison, the chains literally broke off. That's the power of song when it comes from the heart. It reminds us that worship isn't about performance, it’s about presence. Like the Father said, God doesn't listen to our melody, he listens to our hearts.
In conclusion, Lord, thank you for creating our studios, thank you to Augusto and Anna, their incredible staff and all their supporters here today. Thank you for the gift of music, for the songs that lift our hearts and calm our fears. Teach us to use music not only to entertain, but to encourage, to comfort and to worship. Put a new song in our hearts today, one that reminds us of your goodness and love. In Jesus’s name, amen. God bless every one of you. Thank you.
Editor's Note: The above commentary was provided by Hidalgo County Commissioner Eduardo 'Eddie' Cantu at the 5th Annual Art of the Giving Banquet, held at the Creative Arts Studio in San Juan, Texas, on October 23, 2025.
