Cultural Exchange between the students of the McDonogh School

Cultural Exchange between the students of the McDonogh School, Maryland, USA and the students of The Inka Yupanki School of Chincheros village in Cusco.

School

The McDonogh School located in Maryland, USA and a school, Tupac Yupanquin, located in Chinchero, Peru have something in common. Cultural Immersion places great value on education in the music and the arts so has implemented a special music program here similar to the one at the McDonogh schools in the United States. Cultural Immersion wants the children of Chinchero to have the same opportunities so has hired a professional music teacher to work with two other teachers from the school. They are giving singing lessons and teaching the kids how to play the musical instruments of the Andes including pan pipes(zampoña), flutes, guitar, and the charango. They are planning to sing with the students from the McDonogh school on June 16th.

In general, there is not much attention paid to music and arts within the education programs of Peru. The director of Cultural Immersion, Eduardo Becerra says, “Most of the children, living in the village of Chinchero have low economical resources because their parents work in agriculture. This project gives them the opportunity to express their creativity and develop their talents. Hopefully, we can continue contributing to this project in the future.”
Two weeks ago, we had the honour to visit Tupac Yupapnquin School, and witnessed the musical talents of the children. Proudly they were showing us their performing skills. We were impressed and touched by the passion of these children.

There are a many stories to tell about the children of this school in Chinchero.

Chinchero School

Lisbeth, 16 years old, was gracefully singing a love song. Her parents work in agriculture. When she is older she wants to become an artist. Marina, wants to become an economist and she loves to write poems. Proudly, she told us: “I am part of a big family, I have seven siblings! “ More and more children were curiously surrounding us, willing to share their dreams and aspirations. Liseth started to tell enthusiastically: “I love to perform and I am not afraid to stand in front of a public.That is why I would love to study law and become a lawyer.”

Michael, the only boy standing in the middle of all the girls, asked, “Are we going to get a harp or a guitar? I would love to learn to play these instruments.” He wants to become an accountant and loves to sing. Finally, Nayrud joined the group and told us that he loves to sing the typical music from the city of Ayachuco. His profession, not so common, is going to be a zoo technician.

Currently the children of both schools are having rehearsals for the big day, June 16. They all feel very excited about this opportunity to show their talents to a greater public. Of course, the children from Chinchero are eager to meet the children from the United States. Two different worlds will come together this day, a cultural exchange of talents. The event will be presented in the famous cathedral of Cusco at Plaza de Armas, a beautiful setting for the two choirs to perform! Hereby, please accept this invitation to participate in this event.

By Sanne