Colombia> 1st Visit - Spring 2004
In April 2004 20 Senior Staff from Music Services in the South West were
invited to join a TIPD visit to Colombia which had been initiated by
Dorset Music Service.
Julia Bowen and Christine Wright from South Glos. Music Service were
amongst those who set off to what is considered to be one of the most
dangerous countries in the world.
They visited two cities, Bogota and Medellin, observing many different
examples of class music, instrumental teaching, Special Needs music and
ensemble work.
There is no National Curriculum in Colombia and the quality of delivery
is entirely down to each individual school and musician. Emphasis is
placed on practical music-making using Colombian instruments and
rhythms.
The instrumental teaching observed was mostly in small groups with older
pupils encouraged to mentor or take responsibility for the learning of
the younger ones.
The lack of proper facilities and the very poor quality of most of the
instruments would be very inhibiting in the UK and instrumental teachers
here would no doubt have strong words to say, but in Colombia it did not
seem to have any impact whatsoever on either pupil or teacher. One had
the impression that they were merely grateful for what they could get!
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