Fearless Women, Champions Of Change: From The Classroom To The Stage, How Barbara Lee Ungar Fills Lives With Rhythm And Joy

By Carolina de la Cajiga

“So far, the best I’ve heard in 2026 is: ‘Nos encanta tocar las flautas dulces!’” (We love playing recorders!). This is what two of my fourth-grade students yelled when they saw me coming on a recent cold morning.”

Since 2019, Barbara Lee Ungar, Barbarita, has been a volunteer music teacher at Pedro Moreno Primary School, in Salitrillo, a poor, rural community on the outskirts of San Miguel. “I teach a recorder class and a general music class using the Orff Schulwerk approach from grades one to four. The students love singing and dancing to songs like La Gatita Carlota, Mi Burro Enfermo, and I’m Going to Australia on Highway Number One."

Learning music is not only a pleasant endeavour for anybody — Ungar explains the particular benefits for children: “I teach the Orff approach, which goes beyond playing a musical instrument: It boosts cognitive skills — attention and memory — which, in turn, improve motor and social-emotional skills through play, movement, and speech. The positive effects will remain throughout the kids’ lives.”

Originally from Santa Cruz, California, Ungar first came to Guadalajara to study Spanish and Mexican history at the Universidad Autónoma. The experience opened the door to becoming bilingual and has given her a lifelong connection to Mexico. “After graduating from UCSC, I became a bilingual public school music teacher. I earned a credit in the Orff Schulwerk method based on the idea that children have the innate potential of making music, and that song, speech, and movement are inseparable.” She pauses. “A highlight of my teaching career happened after a holiday show. In 2008, the children performed an Orff-style arrangement of La Bamba at the Center for Performing Arts in Watsonville, California. Unknown to me, in the audience was Bob Valenzuela, Ritchie Valens’s brother, portrayed in the La Bamba film. He commented that it was the best performance of the song he had ever heard, which obviously made me ecstatic!”

Ungar retired in 2012 and came to San Miguel de Allende the following year. Immediately, she joined the vibrant music scene. “I play the flute, alto flute, alto sax, and sing. Shortly after moving here, one day I was practicing the alto sax when I heard a knock on my door—there was a woman, surprised to find another woman. She expected a man, as most sax players are men… She became one of my closest friends,” says Ungar with a warm smile.

“I joined the Siempre Swing Big Band, led by Israel Chavez Dominguez, in 2014, and became part of a community of exceptional musicians, including Rolando Gotés, Sach Rioja, Israel Chavez Dominguez, and Alberto Ortiz Dominguez. Over the years, I have performed in duos, trios, and quartets in venues around town, at the San Antonio Open Studios, and at private events. While my roots are in jazz, blues, and Latin jazz, performing in Mexico inspired me to learn Mexican standards such as Perfidia and Bésame Mucho. Playing these songs is fun and creates a connection with the audience and honors the Mexican culture.” In 2025, Ungar performed in Love Songs and Monologues as both musician and musical director. The play was written and produced by Harold Dean James and performed at the Santa Ana Theatre. Another highlight last year was performing Brazilian music live on Radio Port Townsend (KPTZ 91.9 FM) on the show, Cats in our Laps, with my friend and musical collaborator, guitarist Rolando Gotés.

“I typically start my day with music practice in my home studio. I also play the alto flute at the closing relaxation of my yoga class. Teaching and open jams are a regular part of my week, as is physical movement. I also do weight training over Zoom with my oldest daughter in Albania, I go to the gym, and I love walking in the Charco del Ingenio with my friend, Kathryn.”

Ungar's volunteer instructor work began after meeting Bill Wilkinson in 2019, the founder of Apoyo Escolar (apoyosma.org), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underserved schools through scholarships in partnership with Caminos Del Agua and Feed the Hungry.

What is next in Ungar’s busy schedule? “I’m now preparing with a quartet to present The Sounds of Brazil on February 13, at Café Rama at 7 p.m.” 

You can contact Barbaraat bleeungar@gmail.com

If you know a Fearless Woman that we should feature on this pages, please send me their contact information at cdelacajiga@gmail.com