MUSIC makes us more human.

Here in Bogotá I am inspired on a daily basis, whether it is to be a better musician, person, cook, language learner, or simply to open my eyes wider and observe something so completely new that it knocks me off my feet.

This week especially, I have been surrounded by so much wonderful music and therefore so many wonderful musicians. My students are just beautiful- they are hilarious, and are so eager to learn and to learn to sing well, no matter what they actually are doing, their intention is so pure and heartfelt that I am propelled to be the very best leader I can be for them. And, they are learning to sing really well- we are finally making some great music in our short rehearsals. More importantly, when I try to shake each person's hand as they walk in my door, they go right in for a hug and one kiss on the left cheek- and welcome me with 'hey profe, or hola corie'! They also happen to correct my choppy Spanish more often than not- but we understand each other through eye smiles and body language. I'm grateful to have this opportunity to learn from them, and to grow into this culture through it's children- I don't think there is a better way at this point.

I have sat in on some incredibly inspiring rehearsals- below you can see some videos from a choir of 100 students put together by the Minister of Culture of Colombia, and lead by Maria Teresa, one of the most well respected choral directors in Colombia, who I was so happy to finally meet. This choir was incredible, and these kids are from all over (20/32 districts in Colombia), and have 8 days to rehearse together, for a concert this Sunday. Impresionante. I also am lucky to get to sing with a group of women lead by my coleague Eunice Prada- which is a highlight of my week. It reminds me how important singing together for fun is, and whats more, these women are a hoot. Too bad I can only understand half of what they are actually saying- because they all talk at the same time, and the acoustics are really boomy in the room where we sing. I just laugh right along with them anyways.

Tomorrow I am off early in the morning (at 6 am!) to help with a Choral Encuentro of sorts in the very south of Bogota, where we will be working with teachers and singers from around the city to workshop with the kids and teachers all day, with a concert at the end of the day. Tomorrow is part of a National Day of Music- where the government (yes, the national Colombian government) has declared a day to celebrate music-  there will be many many concerts held around the country- ours being one of those. It's great to be in a culture where there are more and more stories of music affecting not only the students who are performing, nor the parents and family listening, nor the teacher directing, nor the direct community surrounding the group, but music is influencing the politicians who are making laws and placing national funding that support music programing like that of Batuta. I'll write down some stories in another entry, but sleep is calling my name now.

As the Pepsi bilboard said "tic-toc estas viviendo cada secundo?". Un abrazo a todos. <3