A group of top-notch American jazz musicians are in Colombia to give jazz masterclasses to children from poor neighborhoods in the cities of Medellin and Manizales.
The Americans, all students of the prestigious Julliard School, UMass Amherst, and the University of New Orleans, arrived in Medellin Wednesday where 45 children, aged 15 to 18, are learning the fundamental melodies, rhythms, and improvisation styles of jazz music.
As John “Freddy” Vahos, a director of the camp told Colombia Reports, the program’s objective is to “create more sensible, culturally engaged people, while keeping them off of the streets.” Freddy added that students from low class areas “don’t have to worry about gangs, violence, or drugs” when they are participating in extracurricular music programs or band camps.
The program was made possible by U.S. and Colombian social programs, the Colombo Americano language institute and Medellin’s Music School Network that is internationally recognized for using music to keep children out of gangs.
Cultural exchange is also essential to the band camp. Though some of the jazz instructors don’t speak Spanish, they find that “music is a universal language.”
“The main thing we are trying to get across to the students is the feel of the music,” explained Josh Starkman, a member of the University of New Orleans Jazz Ambassadors. “Everyone feels music differently…the kids in Colombia feel rhythm on the 1 and 3, whereas jazz is usually played on the 2 and 4.”
Members of the UNO Jazz Ambassadors were also surprised by the Colombian’s enthusiasm for jazz music.
“People are more excited about our music here than they are in the States.”
On Thursday afternoon, students played an impromptu show in one of Medellin’s parks, Parque Deseos. Allen Dejan Jr., a New Orleans native and graduate student at the University of New Orleans, directed the group of 20 young musicians. The pieces they played were united by a fundamental blues rhythm, but each student stood out as an individual during their solos.
“That’s what jazz is all about,” Josh whispered during a percussion solo. “Coming together and feeling the same music, communicating as a group.”
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