Wednesday 16 November 2022
Musi 322-01
Bienvenidos a La Mentoria en El Caribe de habla Hispana!
(Welcome to mentorship in the Spanish Speaking Caribbean!)
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
I've arrived in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean with my blog besties.
Since this is the final stop of our musical journey
It's safe to (in)formally introduce myself:
Hola! Me llamo Gabby
I hope you guys took heed from our last blog and spent time enhancing your Spanish speaking and comprehension skills. Reason being? Well, we are now docked in the musically rich waters of the Spanish Caribbean, which is a region made up of islands such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. These islands are shaded by thick canopies of mentorship, afforded by both governmental and private organizations. Try to keep up with me as we clear a path through the lush forests of mentorship in each of the islands which constitute to the overall musical heritage of the Spanish Caribbean.
1. Cuba- La Casa de la Trova Guantanamo
The image displays La Casa de la Trova during its closed hours (Photo credits: Editorial, 2016)
Our first stop is none other than Cuba. The Casa de la Trova Guantanamo can be defined as a cultural arts museum, as it is a "cheerful and pleasant space" (Editorial, 2016) booming with mentorship opportunities. As a matter of fact, activities for children and young people are hosted every weekend, during the morning time. Located in the easternmost province of Cuba, La Casa de la Trova showcases a myriad of talented local artists and musicians, either through eye-catching paintings or live performances (respectively). A lounge space is also available for patrons to patronize the nicely decorated bar, or simply make themselves at home on the wooden tables and stools, while basking in the lively performances by both seasoned and upcoming musicians. The picture below reveals a crowd of locals socializing and dancing:
Patrons are frolicking in the delightful musical talents of a local band (Photo credits: Flickr.com)
The image above displays a "full house", which goes to show that local talent is greatly appreciated. I just love the idea of people supporting their own. Go Cuba!! As discussed in Gangelhoff's lecture video "Spanish Part 2"(Cariclassical, 2020), this cultural museum can serve as a ground for mentorship, considering that one of the video examples presented, revealed a seasoned flutist instructing a young flutist. We'll pause to take a look at the previously mentioned video example:
Performance at La Casa de La Trova Guantanamo between seasoned flutist and his prodigy
I chose this video because it goes to show how the space itself is being used by musicians as an instruction site for enhancing and perfecting their musical talents. More importantly, the older musician is clearly seen demonstrating what it is he expects of his prodigy. He then offers her a chance to mimic his demonstration, while also correcting the young flutist on stage. I honestly don't know if I would've been able to be put on the spot like that, but "sister girl" in the video did an exceptional job, despite her minor errors. Ultimately, coaching from musicians at La Casa de la Trova encourages young people to continuously practice their craft, in hopes that their performance(s) will someday be the museum's main event.
2. Dominican Republic- Bachata Academy
A seasoned guitarist is offering hands-on instruction to students enrolled in the Bachata Academy (Photo credits: Bing images)
Cuba was nice and all, but let's make our way through the hidden treasures of mentorship in the Dominican Republic. The word Bachata has a nice ring to it, don't you think? (Yes, I know it's completely off topic and I should just spit it out already). Alrighty, back on track... Let's take a look at the Bachata Academy, which is known as the "Academia de Bachata" in Spanish. This academy is located in the small town of Cabarete, which sits on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. This Academy is quite unique, as it is thee (not the, but thee) first program in the world to teach Bachata. I know the saying goes "first the worst, second the best", but if you leave it up to me, it'll be the complete opposite.
Although the academy opened its doors in 2013, its mission and values remain the same (Academia de Bachata, 2021):
Mission
To mentor a new generation of Bachateros and Bachateras (Gangelhoff, 2020)
Values
1. Collaborative Learning
2. Quality and Intensity of Music Education
3. Teaching Local
4. Capacity Building
5. Cultural Preservation
6. Inclusion of All People
I love the fact that the academy is an NGO (Non-Governmental/ Non-Profit Organization), because it reveals the programs Genuity and the selflessness of the organization's faculty and partners (iASO Records and The DREAM Project). Moreover, the academy has more than 300 K-12 children "enrolled in free, intensive daily instrument and voice classes" (Academia de Bachata, 2021). Although that figure sounds good, the academy seems to be growing at a rapid pace. In his blog post, "joaovcbezerra" explained that the Bachata Academy expanded from a single student ensemble band to a total of six bands, with student members ranging from 7-18 years old. I've inserted a collage showcasing 4/5 of the newly formed bands below:
Pictured Top to Bottom, Left to Right, are the newly formed groups:
Los Rebeldes, Los Elites, Los Galacticos, and Los Incomparables
(Photo credits:Academia de Bachata)
Although there are countless pictures of the academy throughout the internet, I intentionally used this picture because it represents the growing number of students enrolled at the academy. More importantly however, they all seem so eager to learn, which makes teaching a breeze if I do say so myself. However, who can express their eagerness for learning and ease of teaching better than the students and faculty members of the academy? I know I sure can't! For this reason, I've included a clip that interviews students, faculty members and even parents of students enrolled in the academy:
Mini Documentary of the Bachata Academy ((Story Doc, 2020)
For young children, these kids carrying on! In the video, a young guitarist in the making (Alfredo), explains that the audience feels better when they play because they're kids and as far as they're concerned, "kids don't know anything". Unfortunately, this is how a lot of older folks think, which is why I'm thrilled to know that this academy and its superb team of teachers and partners are giving these kids an opportunity to unleash their talents. Everyone needs just one person who believes in them and pushes them to be great. Luckily for these kids, they have an entire academy to do so (drops mic).
3. Puerto Rico- Puerto Rico Conservatory
This is the inside view of the Jesus Maria Sanroma Hall of the Puerto Rico Conservatory
Guys! I can see the light at the end of our tunnel (it's really our path but I had to make sure y'all caught on... um anywhoo). Last but certainly not least are the dangling vines draping the entrance of mentorship in Puerto Rico (ouu, mysterious). As she would've noted in part 5 of her Spanish video lecture-series, Gangelhoff mentioned that "music education is taken seriously in Puerto Rico and is administered through both governmental and private organizations". Since 1960, the Conservatory has afforded world-class instruction and mentorship to both local and international students. For this reason, I believe it is a prime example of mentoring young aspiring musicians. More importantly, most of the musicians from the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra are educators at the Conservatory. This means that students are being taught by the best and can look up to their professors as role models, using them as a form of inspiration to remain disciplined in their studies.
I don't know about you guys, but I'm excited to hear what these "students" sound like:
2012 Performance by students from different parts of Puerto Rico, the Music Conservatory
(Shaun Singh, 2012)
Ouuu, classical, magical, tactical! I selected the video above because his ensemble gave me chills. The highs and lows and Christmas bows they produced with their instruments fostered an ambiance of suspense. This is the type of music you'd expect to hear during the climax of your favorite marvel movie or Netflix series; it has you thinking "are we gonna see confetti or something"? "Will a musician be hiding in the audience"? "Will the camera men come out and call me up to claim 1 million dollars"? (Speaking it into existence) Regardless of what happens, (or doesn't), these students shouldn't be considered students at all, I think they're ready to provide instruction.
Overall, this performance was a worthwhile one and had me questioning how could "students" be this good?! Jack and Jill blamed it on the water, but I blame this raw talent on the highly dedicated educators who have been selfless enough to give back to their community and educated upcoming musicians. I think y'all need to listen to that performance again because there is no way I'm this excited for these students 😂
Farewell Note from the Author
Hey blog bestie! This blog session marks a bittersweet moment, as it's now time for us to depart.
Just know that you'll always be near and dear to my heart (too much? 😂)
Nonetheless, we've discovered scores of information along the way
I hope you're able to bring it up in your personal conversations someday.
We ventured into mentorship within the English, French, Dutch, & Spanish Caribbean
We dived, double Dutched and even Bachat'd
We survived in both water and on land, I think that makes us Amphibians.
You've put up with my witty & corny jokes, a tad bit more than I expected
Overall, however, it was intended to show how mentorship plays an integral role in shaping talented musicians
I hope you never forget it!
So long guys. -amor Gabby, the mentorship advocate
References
Academia de Bachata. (2021). OUR SCHOOL. Academia De Bachata. https://www.academiadebachata.org/school
Cariclassical. (2020, March 7). Spanish part 2 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUJ9AIlczC4
Cariclassical. (2020b, March 13). Spanish part 4 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdaMT33ijIU
Editorial. (2016, March 6). Casa de la Trova Guantánamo. D-Cuba. https://d-cuba.com/casa-de-la-trova-guantanamo
Story Doc. (2020, July 18). Bachata Academy | Music School for Youth in The Dominican Republic [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehTl1G9Ls_o
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