The Multicultural Music Group, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1996 as a response to the need of multicultural music representation in the symphonic repertoire, the teacher training curricula and the instrumental music programs in the schools. As a result of the paucity of multicultural music in instrumental settings and the need for cultural understanding among ethnic groups, the organization had a great acceptance by different audiences and educational institutions in New York City.
MISSION-
The basic mission of the MMG is to provide performances, instruction and professional development in multicultural music as a tool to promote global understanding, cultural awareness, and academic achievement. The presentations, training and instruction provide the constituents the opportunity to experience artistic growth and cultural awareness through the acquisition of specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes that contribute to a more harmonious society and a better lifelong enjoyment of music.
NEED FOR THIS ORGANIZATION-
The population in the United States and in many other countries in the world is extremely diverse. We have the responsibility to examine and discuss what unites us as a country and as a global village. We should be awared of the common values we share in this international scenario comprised of so many ethnic groups and beliefs. The use of multicultural music can help with this unifying vision. Nevertheless, the status of world music in instrumental settings is minimum or almost non-existent.
In ten years more than 5,000 students in NYC have participated in our instrumental music programs. For many of these children, MMG was the only opportunity they ever had to experience music in a personal meaningful way.
More than 100 of those students have chosen music as a career or are in the process of becoming professionals in areas related to music.
The Symphonic Youth Program has been able to prepare approximately 300 students to be auditioned into specialized music schools and has promoted multicultural instruction in several school communities in New York City . Currently four middle schools in New York City are applying our curriculum concept of multicultural music, technology and music history research in their music programs.
Everyone in this organization are so talented and do so much for the kids that are lucky to be involved in this that I feel proud to be part of this amazing effort.
Congratulations on getting the word out on such a forward-minded solution for the artistic soul of future generations and the destiny of upcoming music...count me in for support and spreading the word...Love and light, Elise
