[Dixielandjazz] Venzuella's the place..

[GWW174@aol.com]

Just saw a GREAT PIECE on CBS 60 minutes tonight describing the music 
education program in Venzuella.... over 120,000 kids seriously studying 
music.  All the idea of one man who started the program over 20 years 
ago....His goal was not to make musicians but to make better citizens.   He 
knew the POWER OF MUSIC.
Wow, what a vision.  

The program is throughout the country - in some of the most inpoverished 
areas... even in the prisons and youth detention centers.  They have 1,000's 
of competing orchestras and one main "national youth orchestra" which sounds 
top notch and professional.

This man's idea is "Today venzuella, but tomorrow, the World".  He wants to 
expand the program for every country.... all with national youth orchestras.  
 

Sorry I forgot this visionary's name but anyone interested in the story 
should be able to go up on cbs.com or a 60 minutes web site and get details 
on the story.

Financed 80% by the Venzuella government... and 20% by foundations and 
corporate.  

Jazz connection... well figure one out... let's say it's a music connection 
for the youth... maybe one of our Jazz bands or some all stars could visit 
Venzuella and let them see some different music that will get their toes 
tapping.

Gordon