Si de una semilla se puede cultivar una flor. Y si de un pensamiento
Se puede componer una cancion. Y si de una semilla
Se pudiera componer una canción pues eso seria una maravilla.
Short Summary of our "Sembrando Semilla" (Planting
Seeds) Project
Jeff and I need your help. We are
organizing a project helping support the musical needs for the people of
Cuba. Cuba's music organizations and related school programs need
instruments and music accessories. Our objective is bringing musically related items
to help them continue their musical interest with up-to-date equipment and accessories. We
spent the last 2 years planning a way to get to Cuba and it's finally becoming a
reality.
Our original plans included taking an
industrial container full of instruments to Cuba and distributing them to
school systems with a shortage of music items. Our dreams met reality when we
discovered a great idea is not as simple as it sounds. We realize starting
small is the best way to approach our music instrument drive. This April
we will donate music accessories to a Cuban orchestra while also building
relations with other music organizations to learn about their music needs.
Milton's thoughts:
On April 5th we venture on our
mission "Sembrando Semilla" (Planting Seeds). Our current goals are downsized
to reflect reality. Jeff and I will meet with organizations in Cuba, visiting
schools and getting to know the people we hope to help. Furthermore
there are current discussions in the media about the embargo and how our government
is easing restrictions on Cuba relations. Does this mean we should not go forth
with our dreams and goals? I don’t think so. That’s why on April 5th, approaching
quickly, we will be on our way! It may take years to undo what over 50 years of
the embargo has done to the progress of Cuba and we are not waiting any longer
- the time is now! I have always taken an interest in music and
Cuba. Latin music has been an inspiration to me; it’s instilled in my
heart and culture. Planting this seed in Cuba and in our local community will
guarantee us the development of future artists and exceptional music.
Our concept for this project is to
plant seeds, not actual seeds, but a seed of hope, enjoyment, and opportunity
that will last a lifetime for many. Our message is with the right tools and
education there is nothing a child cannot accomplish. I had a seed planted in
me growing up in the city of Philadelphia. I had several seeds planted in me my
whole life; from Aspira that taught me how to find my first job, to a father
who taught me the value of hard work. As a child I was exposed to music
but never had the opportunity to take lessons and grow. It took 30 years
but I finally enrolled in ALMA (Artístas y Músicos Latino Americanos). The
instructors took a seed of music that was dormant and brought it to life. In
the short period of time I was there I came to realize that I must be involved
in the arts one way or another. I am continuing my education Studying Digital
Video Production at CCP (Community College Of Philadelphia) and now I hope to
plant seeds in others to help them grow their musical talents. So planting
seeds in Cuba is our first stop. Wow I’m excited about this project to be
able to help a student become the musician of tomorrow by planting this seed
and I hope you are also.
Jeff's thoughts:
Cuba has so many genres of music
including Son Montuno, rhumba, Afro-Cuban jazz and salsa; all of these have
influenced so many new styles in our society throughout history. We wish to
support the next generation of Cuban musicians and you can be a part of this
experience. A little over 2 years ago Milton and I met with my
friend Pamela Martin to discuss Cuba where she has traveled in excess of 65 trips.
She expressed the desperate need for music instruments and accessories from her
personal experience with the Cuban people. Pamela has a close relationship with
a Cuban orchestra called Camerata Romeu (this is our first recipient of our
donated strings and accessories) in addition to many others in the related arts
field. I have known Pamela's family for
over 15 years and it's great to be visiting Cuba with her. My background
includes working in music related fields such as composing, recording and music
licensing. I current live in the Philadelphia suburbs and have known Milton for
over 5 years; it's a great pleasure to be working Pamela and Milton on this
Cuba venture.
What
We Need & What You Get
We are very excited about this
project but it will not be successful without your financial support. Our main
goal is to purchases musical supplies (violin, viola, cello and bass stings,
rosin, blank sheet music, pencils and anything else) and to transport to those
most in need. Your financial support is critical to our success.
Should funding exceed our goals than even more supplies will make it to Cuba on
our initial trip.
We will document our activities
through still images and video recording to share with our donors. See Perks
for Details.
Thank you for your help in
supporting our project!
The
Impact
What impact will your donations
make? As our instrument drive develops, students in Cuba will have the tools
they need to learn to play a musical instrument and continue to fill our future
with new artistry. Not every one of these students will become great musicians,
but we believe music makes an impact in all of our live. “Learning music
facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children
inevitably use in other areas. A music-rich experience for children of singing,
listening and moving is really bringing a very serious benefit to children as
they progress into more formal learning,” says Mary Luehrisen, executive
director of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, a
not-for-profit association that promotes the benefits of making music.
We have both seen the impact music
plays in people’s lives and without the proper tools it’s just a little more difficult
to achieve. We can only imagine what the music future holds when you pair music
skills with basic music necessities.
Other
Ways You Can Help
We know not everyone can help fund
this project but there is still something you can do. If you have a new or used
small instrument or accessory that are not being used consider donating it to
our cause. Please share this worthwhile cause with friends and family. So make
some noise about our campaign. Use the Indiegogo share tools! It’s just a
little click away to begin Planting Seeds /Sembrando Semillas.
Feel free to contact Milton at mitlons123@gmail.com if interested in sending a physical donation.