The old municipal Escorxador (slaughterhouse) of the Ciutat de Felanitx was originally built in 1919 as the town’s first Fàbrica d’Electricitat (electricity plant). The building has been converted over the last three years into the Escola de Música i Dansa Pare Aulí and was inaugurated as such a few weeks ago. In excess of 2,115,000 € have been spent, mainly from the coffers of the Govern Balear and its Conselleria d’Educació i Cultura department. I think that is a hell of a lot of money, should you ask (352,000,000 of the old Pesetas). Mind you, not only was the old slaughterhouse restored for that pricey sum but, two newly built wings were constructed as well. The municipal Banda de Música de Felanitx will have their new base in the music school’s premises as well.

Felanitx has a longstanding heritage of music. Musical tradition, musical activity and musical teaching have been more prominent here than in most other municipalities of this very island. The old Felanitx music school was not adequate for its 120 pupils any longer and deemed insufficient. The new facility was built for a capacity of 280 pupils. 16 music teachers are presently looking after the 118 pupils currently enrolled, training them in the faculties of harmony, melody, rhythm and singing. Each and every child wanting to learn an instrument also has to take lessons in music harmonies and join the school’s choir. No gain without pain, or so it seems.

When our three children were younger they were pupils of the old Escola de Música i Dansa Pare Aulí for a number of years and I think it did them well. I am proud of their enthusiasm for music.

The photo was taken in Felanitx, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: December 23rd, 2010. The time was 12:46:21.