ecarroll

TMers,

This was just sent to me by a friend in London. Nice to see kids having fun with music at the Proms, isn't it?

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Placido Domingo cried when he saw the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra perform:

BBC NEWS | Americas | Venezuela youths transformed by music

Something tells me that these kids aren't spending umpteen hours playing video games...

Many comments, please
EC

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rowuk

A trumpet has three buttons, just like a gameboy, and when you kill - it is not virtual!

Music has always been the hope and joy of millions. Talent is not reserved for the affluent, in most countries just opportunities. I am sure that orchestra is cheaper rehab than a jail. Maybe the politians could introduce this concept into US based correctional facilities! Could provide jobs for a lot of music majors!

The club gitmo chamber orchestra would specialise in pentatonic music!

andredub

That conductor is music director of LA phil come 2009 and I think he is 26 years old.... which doesnt shock me after watching that.

ecarroll

Andre,

Hello from Los Angeles.

Sr. Dudamel has had quite a buildup in the press. I'm not sure what one can glean from that short clip (besides the talent and fabulous enthusiasm of the kids in the band!), but fingers are well crossed out here that he'll be the real deal in a wide variety of repertoire.

Best,
EC

ROGERIO

NPR did a bit a few weeks ago about the incredible music program that has been built in Venezuela. I can't remember the exact number, but I was shocked at the number of youth orchestras. I'm sure there is teacher turned politician out there somewhere that is responsible for this movement. They should be found, duplicated (cloned by legal or illegal means.. LOL) and sent out into the world.

Small "third world" countries are often ignored for having the ability and depth to unleash this level of excitement and talent.... but it goes to show that the potential is there (and everywhere). All that is needed is a personality to tap into it.

As a foot note, I wonder how many American or Euro conductors would allow their students to express such joy in performing...

Lets hope for the best for this young conductor and the LA Phil.

TheRiddler

Tocar y Luchar | To Play and to Fight | A Documentary by Alberto Arvelo

Their DVD Tocar y Luchar (To play and to fight) is pretty incredible.

ecarroll

?,

I've ordered the film and have been reading with great interest everything published online about this remarkable program.

It shows us, once again, that a few hard working, visionary people can eventually create something that makes a difference. I hope it resonates northward soon.

Best,
EC

trpt2345

There's been a lot of commotion about that program here in Chicago and some big wigs have gone there to check it out. It's a little similar to what we (Merit School of Music Merit School of Music: Welcome) try to do. But without that scale of resources. There's going to be a three hour presentation on Friday here in Chicago about the program but I can't go because I'm leaving Friday with my kids to go to play in Savannah at the jazz fest, 3:00 p.m. in Forsythe Park in Savannah Georgia for anyone in the area. Kenny Barron, Ben Riley, Vince Herring, Tim Hagans and Rashied Ali are all the bill. I'm a proud papa.

Michael McLaughlin

oj

I saw (on TV) the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra from the Lucerne Festival this summer.

Imagine those middle age dressed up people from Switzerland in the audience - completely taken by the energy from the kids on the stage (including Dudamel).

Some in the audience with tears in their eyes.

Ole

ecarroll

Michael,

La Sistema has been creating a big stir, indeed. Recommend the presentation to your friends and say hello to Tim Hagens for me if you have the chance. He was on my Lake Placid jazz faculty back in '98 and is a great, great guy.

Ole,

Exactly. I think everyone becomes moved by seeing the results of something that really works. The kids' enthusiasm is infectious, isn't it?

Best and nice to "see" you here,
EC