Making MUSIC in Muko
MUSIC! A love for music is shared by every culture. Music can be a communication simpler than language.
On our first travel to Uganda, Dave and I primarily went to meet our orphan, Kihembo Grace. I took my violin to participate in the assemblies we gave at their schools along with Curt Zastrow and his puppetry. During the assembly at Muko High School, a student, Howard Biryomuriwe, came forward with an adungu, an African instrument that looks rather like a lyre. He was playing "Amazing Grace." I found the key and joined in. Our first duet!!
On subsequent trips, travel teams helped bring many instruments from the USA to Uganda. Instruments were provided by generous donors and the Marshall Music Company until we had 69 violins, 25 violas, 4 cellos, 1 guitar and 1 accordion. Lessons took place between our teachers and myself over ZOOM classes. Even our ACT security guard Herbert, a father of six children has learned to play violin quite well!
The greatest progress is made by the students during their breaks from school. Students in Uganda attend school year round for three terms, with three vacation breaks. The longest break is December to late January to accommodate holidays. We try to hold a week-long camp at each vacation where the students meet together for the entire week and play and perform together all day and into the evening. They meet in groups from Beginners (Book One method) to Advanced (Finishing Book Two, approaching Book Three). The students are also grouped in two large groups, a Beginning Orchestra and an Advanced Orchestra.
Students gave their first concert in Kabale in 2019. In order to make this possible, students were transported by a large van from Muko High School to Kabale (approximately a 50-minute drive). An outdoor concert venue, rented for our use, served as a stage. Sharilyn Davis, clarinetist, traveled with us and performed at this concert. Students performed string orchestra works as well as traditional African music. Clouds gathered as they played and near the end of the program and a huge cloudburst erupted. Students and audience members rushed for cover at the back of the stage and the students finished their music as the audience danced, with percussive rain contributing a unique harmony.
Joe Oprea, orchestra conductor at Lowell Schools in Michigan, accompanied us in 2018, helping to coach and direct string classes. Joe, a bassist, was a valuable asset as a teacher and role model.
Our students have begun to achieve honors and invitations. Their next performance will be for a Trinity College conference on July 16th. Our Ugandan staff is currently looking for a teacher who will be enthusiastic and willing to work to develop the program. I have traveled to meet and teach our lovely students ten times. I would personally like to thank the many musicians and families who have contributed to see our MUSIC program to success. We welcome further donations to support our MUSIC camps, instrument maintenance, music purchases, and teacher support.
- Karen S. Viele
Learn more about ACT:
What a wonderful way to enhance communication through music, enhance culture, and improve all our lives through this global musical connection. Thanks for your lead, Karen, and all those who have contributed along the way!
ReplyDelete