COMMENTS FROM OUR PERFORM IN CUBA PARTICIPANTS
What John Holtum from LadySmith Secondary School in Ladysmith BC has to say about the Band Trip in April 2001
What we enjoyed most:
The different culture that we observed, along with the students which we met when we played at the various schools. Nancy, our tour guide, was terrific. It was interesting how music and dancing is a part of everyone's everyday life.
What we would change/delete:
...the market the students seemed to really enjoy...Old Havana was very interesting for all-maybe longer in that area.Overall opinion:
Very good. Glad we went...Impression of Cuban High School musicians:
The students came away feeling they (Cuban students) were very dedicated and talented.
What Keri Lee Kostiw, Head of Music at the Richard Staples High School in Westlock AB has to say about the Band trip in April 2000...
"We enjoyed the Cuban people and the music which was everywhere. We appreciated seeing many varied aspects of life in Cuba...glad that we didn't just do tourist shopping. We were there to get to know the Cuban people and their music and culture.
We enjoyed everything...comparsa was amazing...caves in Pinar del Rio...cigar/rum factories were interesting. The children and teachers at the school will always be remembered...especially enjoyed the opportunities to hear Cuban music performed and all the dancing we did. We were very impressed with the quality of [high school] musicians who performed for us. their dedication to music and pride in their culture was inspiring.
Our trip to Cuba was the most worthwhile thing I've ever done in my career. Not only did it make my students grow in character and musicality but it made me grow as well. This experience will never be forgotten. As special commendation must be made to our guides Julia and Seybel.."
What we enjoyed most about our Cuba experience:
- sharing musical experiences with Cuban students
- meeting many warm friendly people
- visiting various sites and learning about the history
Our overall opinion:
- Fantastic experience; learned much about the history and culture of the Cuban people
- Thoroughly organized tour which provided many memorable experiences each day
Our impressions of Cuban High School musicians:
- Cuban music students produce high quality musicianship...working with limited resources
- Very talented musicians, happy to share their musical traditions.
Thank you for organizing an experience that our students will remember forever
Colin Campbell, Band Director, Oak Bay Secondary School Victoria British Columbia
What we enjoyed most:
- The cultural exchanges between my students and the Cubans we met.
- playing music with the Cubans was awesome.
Overall Impressions:
- Excellent
- I'd do it again!
Impression of Cuban High School Musicians:
- Overall VERY impressive!
- Soulful, passionate and willing to give of themselves
- Perform with intensity and sincerity
"The reception and response given our group by the Cuban students and townspeople was no doubt the most enjoyable experience of the trip. They were very eager to cement a positive relationship with us."
"The itinerary was well organized and balanced. It also allowed for change and flexibility"Jeff Smith, Head of Music, King's-Edgehill School, Windsor, Nova Scotia"The experience of learning about a very different culture, about the origins of a musical genre and sharing with the young people of Cuba were highlights and were great"
"the combination of our tour guide, Adiel and musicologist Bobby Sanabria was excellent"
"Excellent. Well prepared, organized and carried out"
"The Cuban student musicians were technically outstanding and very mature with excellent ability"David Flello, Head of Music, Esquimalt Secondary School, Esquimalt, BC"We got to learn about the real Cuba. The balance between sightseeing, cultural exchange and the beach was excellent"
"This was the most organized and rewarding trip I have been on with students"
"The Cuban High School musicians were excellent, the quality of their music was outstanding"
Brenda Simmonds, Principal, South Park School, Victoria, BC
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09/09/05
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