Music means something different to everyone. Some enjoy it while in the car or when they’re cooking, but for others it’s a way of life. Even in dark times and dire circumstances, it can provide rays of hope and inspiration.
For Sandra Canizares, Havana was home, but it was bittersweet. In 1959 the Cuban government was overthrown by the communist forces of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. This was at the height of the Cold War and Cuba soon found itself at odds with the United States.
Growing up under the oppressive Castro regime, there were not many opportunities for economic advancement and few indicators that it would get any better. While the vibrant culture and delicious food kept the people going, they still yearned for true freedom.
Music has always been a big part of Canizares’ life. From the time she was young she played classical piano, and once she got older she became a choir director for many years. Music was actually how she met her husband, Oscar, who is also a musician. The two met while part of an ensemble choir in Havana.
Canizares and her then-fiancé got married, welcomed two sons and began their new life as a family. However, once they saw the uncertain future that was in store for their children, they knew it was time to make a change.
Oscar applied for and was granted admission into a master’s program at Indiana University Bloomington to study music. This allowed the Canizares family to relocate from Havana to Indiana in 2018.
The transition to Indiana was a bit of a shock, as the arrival of the first frost brought with it thrills and chills. Besides the weather, Canizares and her family were quick to adapt and found much excitement in going on new adventures, such as taking the kids to their first grocery store.
“I am grateful for everything – for the food, for the car, for the house,” says Canizares. “Some people may take those things for granted, but for us it’s a big deal. This has been such a blessing for me and my family.”
For the first two years, Canizares stayed at home with the children so her husband could attend IU. Upon his graduation they relocated to Greenwood, where Canizares serves as music director at First Baptist Church in Greenwood.
While she made many happy memories during this time, she knew she wanted to share her love of music, and help others uncover and cultivate their own musical talents.
Tapping into her passion and her unshakeable belief in herself, Canizares’ dream became a reality in 2022 when SC Music Place opened its doors.
SC Music Place offers lessons in voice, piano, percussion, woodwind and guitar, as well as beginner music classes for students aged 3 to 5.
Helping children discover music and grow their self-confidence is something Canizares cares deeply about, and is the driving force behind the business.
In addition to its regular offerings, SC Music Place also has multiple recitals throughout the year, in the spring, fall, and at Christmas. It also hosts an annual summer camp, which is a fun week of games, art and, of course, music. The camp is open to students with or without musical experience, and those between the ages of 6 and 14.
Reflecting on her success, Canizares says she’s “living the American dream. I came here with my family and I want this for my kids, but I realized it’s not too late for me either.”
Looking toward the future, Canizares says her goal is to turn SC Music Place into a cultural center, where kids and parents can learn more about Latino culture and maybe a few salsa moves. She wants to build a musical community in Greenwood and be able to inspire confidence in any child who is curious about picking up an instrument.
Canizares is grateful. She is grateful for the warm welcome her family has received in Indiana, but also grateful for the opportunity to chase her dream. She knows that hard work, determination and a never-quit attitude can lead you to a place you never thought possible.
“I want to tell people out there that you can do it; if you want to do it, you can do it,” says Canizares.
Leaving your home and settling in a new country is scary for anybody. No matter the circumstances, Canizares never doubted that her family would make the best of the opportunity they had and would support each other always.
“I’m Cuban, but I want to be American too,” she says. “I’m here today; I chose to be here with my family. I really want to mix it up here. I want to have friends. I want to build my community. I don’t want to be just with Cubans or Latinos. No, I want to be part of this community. I’m proud of being here. I’m proud of having my own business. I think it’s great. This is the dream that everybody wants when you come from a different country. This is what you strive for.”
To that end, Sandra and Oscar became official U.S. citizens this past February.
For Canizares and SC Music Place, the future is bright. Both will only continue to grow and give back to the community that has so warmly welcomed them.
If you would like more information about Canizares or SC Music Place, visit their website at scmusicplace.com, or follow them on social media.
