LEAF INTERNATIONAL.GUATEMALA
THE MUSIC-MENTOR PROGRAM
EVERY SCHOOL DAY, 15 classes a week, 5 days a week, 2-4 classes per day, music teachers are teaching 105 preschool students and 55 primary and middle school students who receive scholarships from Child Aid . Classes include: Choir, Keyboard (I & II), Recorder (I, II, & III including Soprano, Contralto, Tenor, Bass), Mandolin, Marimba (I & II), Orchestra (together as a group), Guitar (I & II), and Percussion.
Skills that students are developing:
- Learn rhythm and movement
- Develop singing ability and experience
- Strengthen self-esteem, teamwork and motivation
- Develop an understanding of music theory
- Creating music performance groups and a marimba band!
2009 Highlight: 5 students participated in music competitions in Chimaltenango. ALL won 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in their age range! The Village is proud!
WORKING TOGETHER
This special collaboration is dedicated to the mission and vision of PEG Partners and LEAF international. There is a mutual belief that music and arts out-reach efforts will make a difference in the lives of youth and their cultural traditions. The two organizations are committing to helping create and guide a music program to empower youth. PEG Partners has an established program, which LEAF international is collaborating with to provide the catalyst to incorporating a music/mentor program in their existing outreach.
Check out these links!
davidlamotte.com
pegpartners.org
"The music program makes a profound impact on these childrens's lives. Coming to school a couple hours a day to play music is what these children look forward to!"
Celeste Dunn, LEAF Ambassador
EL TEJAR
Nestled in the rising highlands of Guatemala, EL tejar village is populated by about 16,000 people, mostly indigenous. 155 of these people are wonderful children who are unable to grow up with many opportunities. Now, they are fortunate to receive not only scholarships to attend a CIDER school, but also can participate in a LEAF International music program. Their parents and the director of the school are so inspired they have started to build a addition on to the school just for the music program. Parents donated whatever possible to make this happen! Know that is inspiration!
EXPLORE GUATEMALA
21 different Mayan language groups still thrive today in the country of Guatemala with a population of almost 6 millioin.
Most of them live in the western highlands where the village of El Tejar lies. Thriving strongly today, there are many other efforts to help sustain the beautiful and magical Mayan culture. The Popul Vuh story tells the history and the belief system of the Mayan culture and has now been translated into many languages.
EL Tejar lies just east of on of the most beautiful volcanic lakes in the world, LAGO de Atitlan. The various Mayan populations scatter through small towns on the edges of volcanoes that surround the lake. Antigua is the beautiful colonial town where the historic peace document was signed in the 90's. If ever visiting the country, one must also visit ruins of Tikal.
"What a life changing program this is for the kids of El Tejar!" Sam Hendricks, Child Aid
LEAF Connections brought PATCH ADAMS & his team of Clowns to visit El Tejar students- many smiles & laughs!!!!
“LI Guatemala has grown to a total of 15 classes, 5 days weekly due to the tremendous support of the community and the impressive dedication of the students! I was deeply touched by their devotion to learning music and pride in preserving their musical heritage.” -Loraine Martin, LI Guatemala Ambassador Spring 2010
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
DONATE INSTRUMENTS (or funds for them)!
The El Tejar Village would like to expand their music program with these instruments!!!!
2 Soprano Recorders • 1 Contralto Recorder
1 Tenor Recorder • 1 Base Recorder
2 Guitars & 4 sets of strings
4 Mandolins & 4 sets of strings
SPONSOR A MUSIC TEACHER!
- Music teacher's monthly salary: 600 Quetzals ($80), 1200 annually
-The assistant music teacher’s monthly salary: 300 Quetzals ($40), $600 annually.
All donations are tax-deductible and will make such a 100% significant difference now!
A HISTORICAL VIGENETTE INTO THE MUSIC OF GUATEMALA
Pre-Columbian Maya music involved several instruments including drums and maracas, mostly of wood and tortoise shell (the occasional ceramic piece has been found). Ceramic, ceremonial flutes and ocarinas are rare and delicate, but have been found, and they provide evidence for the importance of music in pre-Columbian Mayan times. These instruments, including a conch trumpet, are thought to be used during funerary events and war celebrations for higher class and leaders. In turn, unadorned drums and flutes have also been found in the lower-class housing.
Discover More & explore...