I have always felt it is important for those of us who are fortunate enough to live in a free country with the many comforts it provides, to make an effort to help those less fortunate. I feel that our children can be part of this philosophy too, and encourage my grandchildren and students to do what they can. Being blessed with the gift of music through schools, parents providing lessons and instrument, children can use that gift to help others.
Over the years, we have sent donations gained from performances, challenges and other events, to The Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra after Hurricane Katrina and UNICEF.
Our project for 2012 combines two organizations, Project Ubuntu and the National Kenya Youth Orchestra.
Project Ubuntu has a special association for me as the founder, Daniel Becton, is a cello student I had for 10 years while he was growing up in Chapel Hill. The project is for several volunteers to work for a week in every state of the US helping people in different ways. He has decided for his North Carolina segment in December of this year to work with KiDZNotes. You can read all about the project on his website. www.projectubuntu.info
The National Kenya Youth Orchestra is a newly-formed group and is based in Nairobi. My son and grand-daughter went to their April 2012 concert, and from hearing about it from them and seeing the program, I thought this would be a great opportunity to help the young musicians of Kenya have a good-quality performance outlet. www.artofmusic.co.ke
Thanks to all who made donations for me to purchase music and supplies for the Winter Residential Course at the Peponi School in Nairobi. Two concerts were performed, one at the invitation of the British High Commissioner at his residence, and the second in the auditorium of the Strathmore Law School.