Every day, the string students of NEOJIBÁ’s Estrelas Musicais meet for an hour to warm up together. This exercise includes very young beginners as well as older, advanced students. At the onset of each day of classes, students are united in ear training and technical studies before going on to sectionals, lessons and ensemble rehearsals. Observing this large group ritual, I was moved by the amount of connection, peer mentorship and modeling that was exhibited. Students were quick and kind in helping one another, and the older students maintained watchful eyes on the novices all while demonstrating excellent behavior and playing. Nucleo Director, Ibarra, told me this practice is an essential part of his students’ education- in having his students always teach they are always learning. For more information on NEOJIBÁ, visit http://www.neojiba.org