A Collective Song: Music to Make Hearts Sing

Rebuilding Alliance is so very proud to be partnering with the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music to bring music instruction to the children and community of Al Aqaba Village!

I recently learned that the visionary maestro who comes to Al Aqaba each week accompanied by the young cello teacher is a very famous man.  Mr. Mhammad Fadel is the founder of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music!   Let's find a way to bring the gifted teachers and children on tour -- maybe they can play for Congress on International Peace Day this year!

Today, Giving Tuesday actually starts at 9:01pm Pacific time Monday! GlobalGiving is matching 50% on each dollar donated up to $1000. If you can make a donation, large or small, please do!

The musice program is in full swing in Al Aqaba and they students have already travelled to Bethlehem to hold a concert in early November!  They spent the night there and attended workshops at the Athear Center!

Here's how the music teachers describe the outcome of the music program in Al Aqaba so far:

• 39 children were introduced to music education enhancing their music skills;
• Al Aqaba children participating in ESNCM music performances;
• Al Aqaba community more open to cultural life.

Maestro Mohammad Fadel writes,

"Through the outreach programs, there was a noticeable improvement in the psychosocial wellbeing of students, their personalities, attitude and behavior. They are happy to learn music. Moreover, students show a higher commitment towards music education and have developed the ability to perform to a diverse audience including their families and friends. Parents and families of students have more commitment towards music education of their children which is evident in their commitment to bring the children to music classes during the academic year as well as the summer program which often requires commuting from surrounding villages."

Here's the goal for the project going forward:

Relying on the cooperation with RA, ESNCM considers the outreach program at Al Aqaba, Tubas, very important in terms of targeting marginalized communities and expanding music education in Palestine facilitating access to music education and appreciation and positively impacting the subject community.

Phase two builds on the work done in the first year in Al Aqaba. It aims at sustaining and strengthening the music education program established during phase one of the project. The positive impact on the children of Al Aqaba and its community as well as the willingness of those children to be involved in music education is an opportunity that supports the continuity of the music education program.

The second phase focuses on enhancing the music education of the enrolled students and involves a weekly two-hour session The sessions will include full class work, ensemble work and small group technical study. The focus will remain on string instruments particularly violin and cello. Al Aqaba students will perform to their community and they will be involved in the other ESNCM activities particularly the annual showcase to present their work through the year which enables them to interact with other students from other areas and different levels enhancing their group performance skills as well as exposure to a different audience.

Tonight is a great time to donate!  Thank you again for your support!

• Progress report Edw. Said Nat. Music Conservatory (PDF)