A wonderful opportunity to experience the international aspect of Suzuki study in your local program or area association! As the SAA Liaison to Latin American Countries, I have talked to many SAA members who would like to be able to help the programs in Latin America. It has been challenging for everyone to find ways to do so, because of distance and communication difficulties.

In talking about this with several of you, a new idea was born which has many great possibilities for success. The idea is to have state, local and provincial Suzuki associations “adopt” a Latin American country and relate directly with that country’s Suzuki association, in much the same way that the Partners of the Americas “sister cities” project has formed helpful relationships with cities around the world.

The possibilities in such relationships are endless. It would be a great way to help these countries get used instruments and equipment. Exchanges of students and teachers going both ways would be interesting, educational and very helpful. Pen pals and other student related projects are a natural. Associations in North America that sponsor summer institutes could have guest teachers from their adopted country come to their institute, either to teach, take a course or perhaps do both.

Here is a list of countries in Latin America where we know there are Suzuki programs, along with a brief description of the program and its needs:

ARGENTINA—There are programs in Buenos Aires and Cordoba, which are cities separated by some distance. It might be that two North American associations could adopt each of these Suzuki centers. The program in Cordoba is twenty-five years old and operates through the Conservatory. The program in Buenos Aires is rebuilding after almost dying out several years ago. Both places need teacher training, exchange of ideas, and books and equipment.

BOLIVIA-A small program operates through the Instituto de Bellas Artes. They need teacher training, instruments and books.

BRAZIL-There are programs in eighteen centers throughout this huge country, many of them doing quite well, but many also struggling. Here, also, it would make sense for a North American association to adopt one of their state associations. They need instruments, teacher training and materials.

CHILE-There are programs in many cities and an active country association. They need more teacher training and exchange of teachers and students, which is economically more feasible in this particular country. Programs are growing very quickly and there is a huge demand for teachers.

COLOMBIA-We have only one contact and the program is limited to this one teacher who teaches piano to mostly non-Colombian children.

COSTA RICA—A program operates through the National Symphony. They would like to expand and would welcome help with teacher training, exchange of ideas and teachers.

ECUADOR—A young program is getting started in Quito. They need help with teacher training and exchanges, instruments, equipment and materials.

MEXICO—Many small programs operate in several cities, but without a central organizing association. They could probably use help getting one started, and, of course, the usual needs of teacher training, instruments and materials.

NICARAGUA—This is probably the poorest country where there is a Suzuki program. It is only a few years old, and is limited to recorder at present, but they desperately want to expand to guitar and other instruments. They need teacher training, instruments and materials.

PANAMA—There are three SAA members in this country, but they have not yet communicated their needs to me.

PERU—This country has an active association and programs in many schools and several cities. They suffer from great economic problems, so instruments, materials and any kind of exchanges would be appreciated.

PUERTO RICO -This is an older program with several teachers on several instruments. They don’t yet have a country association. Instruments and materials are needed. If your state, local or provincial Suzuki association would like to adopt one of these programs, write to me and I will give you the names, addresses and fax numbers of people to contact. ..

So. American Suzuki Festivals Jan. ‘95

Lima, Peru will host its annual Suzuki Festival, January 3-10, 1995, at the American School, Colegio Roosevelt. Roberta Centurion, the president of the Peruvian Suzuki Association, coordinates the event, which features training courses for teachers and student master classes, group lessons and concerts. Santiago, Chile, will host its annual Suzuki Festival, January 1320 at Santiago College. Sara Benites, vice-president of the Chilean Suzuki Association will coordinate the event, which also features training courses for teachers and student master classes, group lessons and concerts.

Curitiba, Brazil will host its annual Suzuki Festival as part of a larger music festival, called the Oficina. Simone Savytzky, president of the Brazilian Suzuki Association, and Cristina Souza will coordinate the Suzuki Festival. This event, held January 9-22, will also feature training courses for teachers and student master classes, group lessons and concerts.

A team of North American teachers will assist local teachers at these festivals. Marilyn O’Boyle, violin (MN) and Caroline Fraser, piano (CA) will head up the team. They will be joined by Craig Timmerman, violin (KY), Martha Shackford, violin (AR), Cheryl Kraft, piano (WA) , Alan Johnston, guitar (MN)and Susan Grilli, Suzuki early childhood education (NY). Marilyn will also teach at the Brazilian festivalJanuary9-14.Agroup of students from Minnesota, Kentucky and California are to perform and participate in the Festival in Peru.

Anyone interested in attending should contact the festival coordinator (all are SAA members) or contact Marilyn O’Boyle, SAA liaison to Latin American Programs.