PeruBandas Residency

One of my biggest dreams was to visit Peru and Machupicchu! I never thought in my life that it would have been possible, until I was invited by one of the most gentle souls in the world, Hospina Moises, to serve as an international jury member for the V Concurso de Bandas Escolares at the Colegio de Alfonso Ugarte and to guest conduct at different schools. In addition, I was the guest conductor for the I Festival Academico de Bandas Cusco - 2016. My residency was from November 10-24, 2016.

During my residency, I taught at fifteen schools in Lima and Cusco. I also had the opportunity to guest conduct the military and police bands. With each band, I focused on their weaknesses and building upon their strengths. This balance allows students to build confidence in themselves, but also as people. Music is one of the most valuable gifts that you can give to someone. I told the band directors at the different schools how much respect and admiration I have for the work they do because it is the hardest. The compassion these teachers have for their students is addictive.

PeruBandas arranged it so that I would have a day at Machupicchu. There are no words to describe how magnificient this place is. One of the tour guides mentioned that Machupicchu will be closed off to the public in fifty years. Go while you have a chance! You will definitely not regret it.

It was one of the most valuable and unforgetable experiences I've had in my life. I have never seen such desire for knowledge and information. My genuine hope is that they learned as much from me as I learned from them.
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