In May 2002 we visited the Escuela de Arte, a school in Matanzas, Cuba for children aged 8 - 13 with musical talent, and also the senior Music School in the city, to which they can progress. The children's performance was of an impressively high standard, some reaching world class. We also attended a wonderful gala evening by the dance school in the beautiful Teatro Sauto.
This is achieved in the face of a great paucity of resources due to the US trade embargo. Items which are commonplace in Welsh schools - cassette recorders, photocopying equipment, even paper and ink, are not automatically present. No material resource can be taken for granted. Providing instruments for children to commence their studies is always difficult, and sheet music is difficult to obtain and cannot be copied.
We resolved that on our return we would look for items of equipment to send to the schools. We know that many people have some of these things stashed away in cupboards. If you do, please think of Cuba!
We are collecting all these things for shipment in our next container:
Musical instruments (not pianos…) and accessories (mutes, reeds, strings, valve oil, cleaning brushes…..)
Music stands
Sheet music of all kinds
Music cassettes and CDs of all genres (including blank or reusable cassettes)
Manuscript paper (all sizes).
Ballet shoes and costumes.
Geometry sets.
If you have any of these things which you would like us to send to Cuba, please email us to arrange collection.
THANK YOU!
