My other philanthropic endeavor is called the Atlanta Music Project ("AMP"). Its objective is to establish the first El Sistema-inspired program in an underserved community in the Metro Atlanta area. What is El Sistema? The video below, about 15 minutes long, may inspire you, and may encourage you to get involved in something much more rewarding and impactful than what you may currently be doing.
After seeing Maestro Abreu receive this award live at TED 2009, I decided to help make his wish come true. On December 4, 2009, Abreu Fellow Stanford Thompson made a special presentation at the TEDxPeachtree conference in Atlanta. Invited by organizer and El Sistema supporter Al Meyers, the subject of Stanford’s talk was "What if El Sistema Was To Come To Atlanta?"
Dantes Rameau, the Abreu Fellow leading this Atlanta effort, is a young, passionate, musician who leaves a favorable impression with any new acquaintance, and I am honored to be supporting this effort.
To keep updated on the progress of the Abreu Fellows and their hope to change the landscape of music teaching for underserved communities in this country and internationally, click here.
Our pilot program takes place at the Gilbert House, a cultural center operated by the City Of Atlanta Office Of Cultural Affairs. AMP classes include orchestra, choir, musicianship, African drum/dance and group lessons in the following orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone. As AMP expands, we will offer oboe, bassoon, french horn, tuba and orchestral percussion. Masterclasses and workshops are held regularly. Performance is a big part of how we achieve our mission, so our students perform in concerts several times throughout the year.
What if we could give all children a full opportunity for a brighter future? What if????
