Ideas for Jazz Education: Cuban Adventure with American Music Students

Spring break 2017, I traveled to Cuba to experience the culture including art, food, music and dance. The 10 students ranged in age from 14 to 18 and were not a part of the same performing ensemble but were all music students with an interest in travel. Although we were primarily listeners, I did bring a cornet so I could play during downtime and interact with the cuban musicians I met which were many. There was live music at nearly every meal and I got the chance to play every day.

Here's a slide show of many of the events including photos taken by me:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0ohd1Eqa7RMS0dBQmhJQVo0S1k

Here is a list of some of the interesting Cultural Social Projects we visited. Many of these are supported by the Cuban Ministry of Culture.

April 3, 2017

Circus Training School - http://www.reuters.com/article/uk-cuba-circus-idUSKCN0HZ14920141010

Muraleando - http://www.muraleando.org/

April 4

University of Havana - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Havana

Hemingway's House - http://www.hemingwaycuba.com/hemingway-house-cuba.html

Canon Ceremony - recreation of 400 year old tradition when canons announced the closing of the walls of Havana warning inhabitants to stay inside their homes -

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147271-d149139-r288570663-Castillo_de_San_Carlos_de_la_Cabana-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html

April 5

Las Terrazas Community - Unesco Site - https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba/las-terrazas

San Juan River - San Juan by the River

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1087637-d9739264-Reviews-Banos_del_San_Juan-Las_Terrazas_Artemisa_Province_Cuba.html

Fusterlandia - Mosaic Artist community founded by Jose Fuster http://www.huffingtonpost.com/regina-fraser-and-pat-johnson/havanas-fusterlandia-cultural-art_b_1762925.html

April 6

Korimakao Community Project - founded by Manuel Porto - art, music and dance school for people over age 18

https://vimeo.com/214310510

Playa Giron Museum - Bay of Pigs invasion

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playa_Gir%C3%B3n

Zapata Swamp Natural Reserve and Las Salinas Wildlife Sanctuary