Dear Mrs. Bailey,
It’s been a long time since I’ve thought about playing in
the band. In the past few days it has all come back to me quite clearly. I’m in
Nicaragua for July taking a summer community arts class. We came to Esteli with
the intention of making a short documentary. When it came time to decide on a
subject we voted nearly unanimously for the Youth Orchestra we had visited the day before.
There are around fifty students taking lessons and playing in
what used to be government buildings under the Somoza dictatorship. I thought
about you yesterday when we interviewed the conductor, Santaigo. Watching him
teach reminded me of all the hours I spent in the trumpet section.
Even though I haven't pursued music I will never forget how
wonderful it felt when we finally played something perfectly, I felt so proud
telling people I played in a jazz band. Improvising terrified me and made me
feel invincible at the same time. I think I’ve managed to find that same
feeling in the visual arts, but the things you taught me are completely irreplaceable.
Music still has a place on my bucket list and in time I’m
sure I will return to it. I think the four years I spent in your classroom
reinforce why this documentary is so important. In Esteli, the band represents
and incredible social transformation and the capacity of music to change the
course of history. Generally speaking, an instrument is a profoundly powerful
weapon to give a child. Whether we carried it or not you gave us such a
brilliant beginning.
Sending hugs from Nicaragua,
Emma (Amelia)
No comments:
Post a Comment