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The trumpet that 'welcomes' the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Culture & Society

The trumpet that 'welcomes' the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth From a news agency Context piece
  • Dominican trumpeter Frank Casado practices daily under an almond tree at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, the main venue for the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games.
  • Casado, a 60-year-old musician, uses the park as his preferred rehearsal space, finding it conducive to his practice despite ongoing construction noise.
  • The Games, the oldest regional sporting competition, will feature events from July 24 to August 8 across multiple locations in the Dominican Republic.

Amidst the final preparations for the Central American and Caribbean Games, Dominican trumpeter Frank Casado finds a unique sanctuary under an almond tree at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center. Despite the surrounding noise of ongoing construction for the event, the 60-year-old musician diligently practices his trumpet, a lifelong companion that has sustained him economically. The Olympic Center, the primary venue for the Games, becomes his stage for daily rehearsals.

There is dust and noise, but I concentrate on my trumpet; rehearsal is fundamental in this profession. I have been a musician from an early age, and this place remains welcoming.

— Frank CasadoDescribing his practice routine at the Olympic Center amidst construction for the Games.

Casado, a seasoned musician who has played with the National Police band and various hotel orchestras in Punta Cana, views the park as an inviting space for his craft. "There is dust and noise, but I concentrate on my trumpet; rehearsal is fundamental in this profession. I have been a musician from an early age, and this place remains welcoming," he told EFE. He notes that the expansive nature of the Olympic Center enhances his auditory focus, allowing him to hone his skills.

The XXV edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games, the oldest regional sporting competition globally since its inception in 1926, is set to run from July 24 to August 8. Events will be held not only at the Olympic Center and Parque del Este in Santo Domingo but also in Santiago, Puerto Plata, and Punta Cana.

I have a long time visiting this park, on several occasions several friends who are trumpeters and saxophonists have met here. Although it may not seem like it now, this place is welcoming and it is my favorite place to rehearse.

— Frank CasadoReflecting on his long-standing connection to the Olympic Center as a rehearsal space.

Casado finds parallels between his profession and that of an athlete, requiring both physical and mental fortitude. He shares his passion by playing a minute of Chuck Mangione's classic 'Children of Sanchez,' a piece he considers excellent for trumpet practice, before transitioning to the vibrant chords of Dominican artist Juan Luis Guerra's 'Visa para un sueño.' He expresses gratitude for the government's significant investment in the Games' infrastructure.

That is one of the best melodies for trumpet practice. I like it a lot, although I play all genres.

— Frank CasadoDiscussing his choice of music for practice, specifically 'Children of Sanchez'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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