Abraham Chavez Jr. – A Musical Bridge Between Nations

Early Life & Musical Beginnings

  • Born March 6, 1927, in El Paso, Texas, in a tenement near the Rio Grande.
  • Grew up in both El Paso and Ciudad Juárez during the Great Depression.
  • His father, Abraham Sr., was an untrained but talented musician who nurtured his son’s gift.
  • At age 4, played his first performance on a handmade violin crafted by a Juárez carpenter.
  • Studied with Juárez teacher Edmundo J. Diéguez and later with Robert Semon of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.
  • At 13, he became a violinist with the El Paso Symphony.


Education & Early Career

  • While attending El Paso High School, organized a multi-school “Eight-Ball Concert,” where he met his future wife, Lucy Villegas (married in 1945).
  • Taught at Ysleta High School before serving in the Army, where he directed the Army Ground Forces Orchestra and Chorus.
  • Returned to civilian life, performed regularly on KTSM Radio, and in 1949 became concertmaster of the El Paso Symphony.
  • He earned a music degree from Texas Western College (UTEP) in 1959.
  • National Recognition & University Career
  • In 1961, he began teaching summers at the University of Colorado, joining the faculty full-time in 1966 as professor and head of strings/orchestra.
  • Served as president of the Colorado-Wyoming String Teachers Association and was frequently invited as guest conductor for All-State and regional orchestras in multiple states.
  • He received the Thomas Jefferson Award from University of Colorado students.


Return to El Paso

  • In 1974, returned to El Paso as professor at UTEP and music director of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.
  • Expanded the symphony’s reach by:
  • Reviving the El Paso Youth Symphony.
  • Integrating performances with ballet, mariachi, mime, and popular music.
  • Launching summer concerts and doubling performance nights.


Honors & Legacy

  • Named Outstanding Ex-Student of El Paso High, received the Rotary Club Achievement Award, City of El Paso Conquistador Award, and was recognized by LULAC as Outstanding Citizen.
  • Inducted into the El Paso Hall of Honor for his contributions to music and cultural unity.


Philosophy

Summed up his mission as: “Take the music to the people.”

His life’s work connected communities across borders, inspired young musicians, and elevated El Paso’s cultural life.