Fingers flew across the keyboard, dancing in time with the music they produced. Melodies flowed from the musician?s mouth, which seemed to entice his audience. Spanish III students experienced the sounds of Jorge Solis as part of their study of Central America on Dec. 8.

Solis is the painter at People?s Church and was born in Guatemala. This was Solis’ fifth straight year sharing with the Spanish III class.

?Jorge is a good friend of mine and he has a passion for music,? Beatriz Foth, Spanish teacher, said. ?He loves to encourage students to learn a second language, so I ask him to come every year.?

Solis seemed to liven up the classroom with holiday spirit by playing a variety of Latino music styles including his own creations as well as traditional favorites such as ?Feliz Navidad.?

?He plays all instruments, he?s a one man show,? John Huerta said. ?He has tremendous talent and gives all the credit to God. That?s what I admire about him.?

Solis? words appeared to strike a serious note as he told the students of his background and the impact on his life.

?I came form a broken home,? Solis said. ?My father is a secular musician, he never wanted anything to do with things of God. I saw God through my mother, and now I have what I saw in her in my life.?

He believes education is required for several aspects of life.

?My advice is to study to your full potential,? Solis said. ?Everything you desire to do requires an education. We all have gifts, and we discover them as we go along in life.?

He reminded students of their importance of languages.

?Coming form Guatemala and now living in the United States, I see the importance of learning another language,? Solis said. ?When I took English classes as a student I always thought, ?Why do I need English, I can speak Spanish?? Now I see that the more languages you speak the more opportunities you have in your future and the more you can help people.?

Vilma Beneke also brought traditional Salvadorian food for the students. The dishes included pupusas, yuca salco chada, and plantanos fritos, accompanied by horchata, a drink made of milk, chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla, from Ambiente Tropical Pupuseria Inc.

?The guests gave us a break from regular class and an opportunity to have fun before finals started,? David Quenzer, ?07, said. ?The music was great and it was fun to try new types of food.?