Global Music Community
Solving the Instrument Crisis in Global Music Education Programs
Graciela Briceno, Program Manager, In Concert Opus Network
The image is jarring: a vibrant green lawn scattered with brass instruments in various forms of disrepair, some rusted, others broken or bent. A few rest in old cases with broken hinges. This video was shared by Kyewalyanga Fredrick (Freddie), founder of Saved by Music Foundation, a nonprofit in Uganda that serves 111 children between the ages of 8 and 16. Alongside shelter, food, healthcare, and school fees, the program teaches music through the Elgon Youth Brass Band that rehearses every day. Unfortunately, like a majority of programs in the region, Saved by Music Foundation does not have enough playable instruments for all of its students.
U.S.-Venezuela Relations Impact Music Exchange Programs
Musical exchange programs between the U.S. and Venezuela have recently hit an impasse with new travel restrictions between the two countries.
