YAKIMA, Wash. -- A professional marimba player from Mexico will be performing at eight local schools, beginning today.

Oscar Samuel Esqueda Velazquez of Morelia, Mexico, will be visiting schools from Thorp to Grandview through Nov. 4. He will be performing as well as giving students instruction.

His visit is sponsored by the Yakima Symphony Orchestra and Educational Service District 105. The eight schools he’s visiting all have their own marimba band programs.

Velazquez began studying music at age 9. At 17, he entered the School of Music at Guanajuato University. He began studying at the Las Rosas Conservatoire in 2007.

Here’s his schedule for his central Washington visit:
• 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. today, Roosevelt Elementary School in Yakima.
• 2:30 to 4 p.m. today, Harriett Thompson Elementary School in Grandview.
• 10:25 to 11:25 a.m. Thursday, Tieton Intermediate School.
• 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Adams Elementary School in Wapato.
• 9:30 to11 a.m. Monday, Cle Elum-Roslyn Elementary School.
• 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, Thorp School.
• 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Arthur Smith Elementary School in Grandview.
• 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Zillah Intermediate School.

-- Adriana Janovich