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Do you believe music can save the world?
Then apply to participate in an Cultures in Harmony project!
"Going to Zimbabwe...was the experience of a lifetime. I had no idea what it would feel like to have such a great impact the lives of children with music and how much of an impact they would have on me. I can't wait to go back and reconnect with the kids and all the wonderful people we were fortunate enough to meet and associate with."
—Ryan Murphy, Free-lance cellist, New York City
"My participation...changed my life forever. Going to Zimbabwe and experiencing the creativity and friendship of the Zimbabwean people has given me a new sense of clarity and purpose. I am confident that [Cultures in Harmony] will continue to enrich the lives of all who are involved."
—Sarah Frisof, Assistant Professor of Flute, University of Texas at Arlington
GENERAL INFORMATION
Players of orchestral instruments, composers, and conductors are welcome to apply to Cultures in Harmony. The deadline for applications for all projects in 2010 was December 12, 2009. The application deadline for all projects in 2011 will be announced in October 2010.
Participants in Cultures in Harmony projects will travel to one or more countries in 2010 on missions of cultural diplomacy. Please review the concept papers for the 2010 projects. Projects may involve any of the following musical activities: collaborating with local musicians, teaching master classes, presenting workshops, giving benefit concerts, giving outreach performances, teaching lessons, rehearsing, coordinating an instrument petting zoo, and more. In addition, projects may involve learning the local language, staying with host families, assisting humanitarian organizations with their goals, traditional and/or formal dinners, meetings with diplomats and civic leaders, and other activities designed to promote good will.
Participants will be treated as equal, collaborative contributors to the projects in which they participate. They are expected to independently attain a high level of familiarity with the politics, history, and culture(s) of the country to which they travel.
Project participants volunteer their time; however, all expenses associated with the trip, ranging from airfare to travel vaccinations, are paid for by Cultures in Harmony. Cellists should have their own flight case, as Cultures in Harmony cannot purchase a flight for your cello. Bassists may only apply for projects where Cultures in Harmony can borrow a bass.
Though Cultures in Harmony makes every effort to guarantee the safety of all project participants, all participants travel at their own risk. In the past, Cultures in Harmony projects have occasionally involved dealing with minor inconveniences such as: no access to modern plumbing for short periods, uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, unconventional means of transportation, and more. While project participants' dietary restrictions will be respected, Cultures in Harmony in turn expects a general respect for the diet of the countries we visit. Obviously, extraordinary sensitivity to the cultural norms of non-Western societies is the primary non-musical expectation of all project participants. Finally, applicants should have a strong background in educational outreach programs here in the U.S., as well as extensive teaching and performing experience at the highest level.
