Banda Sinfónica de la Escuela de Formación Artística de Cota

Harmonieorkest 2e divisie

Bio

The origins of band music in Cota date back to 1965 with the arrival of instruments brought by Reverend Father Helí Angélico Grimaldos. The Banda Sinfónica de La Escuela de Formación Artística de Cota reflects over 40 years of dedication to the municipality’s culture. Since 2020, the band school has undergone restructuring under the academic and musical leadership of Maestro Edwin Cifuentes. Today, more than 350 participants are involved across various ensembles, including satellite bands in Parcelas and La Moya. The core program features a Pre-Band, Children’s Band, Youth Band, and Advanced Youth Band (Banda Especial). The Banda Sinfónica has become a recognized cultural reference at both the departmental and national levels, highlighted by their First Place win at the 49th National Band Competition in Paipa – Boyacá in October 2023, among other accolades. The group maintains a vibrant cultural calendar within the municipality, organizing innovative “Symphonic” projects designed to engage the community, including collaborations with the “Lucho Bermúdez Orchestra” and the recent “Jorge Celedón Symphonic” project. This great artistic movement in the municipality undoubtedly provides immediate solutions to social and youth issues, embodying the well-known phrase: “A child who embraces a musical instrument will never take up a weapon for war.