Music Education Builds Cultural Bridges Music Education Builds Cultural Bridges

Home , Chris Hadfield, Expedition 14, Koichi Wakata, Music in space

by Karen Kneten

usic students gather around an inflatable globe Designing BCB and excitedly match international greetings to After planning with education directors from some of countries and continents. “Sorida?”—“Africa!” Houston’s foremost organizations, Lupold and Surface created “Hola?”—“Spain!” “Guten Tag?”—“Germany!” the Building Cultural Bridges program (BCB). This extraordi- M“Konnichiwa?”—“Japan!” “Privyet?”—“Russia!” These are lan- nary program links Pearl Hall Elementary with NASA, Johnson guages from just a few of the countries represented in a multi- Space Center, the Houston Symphony, consuls general’s offices, dimensional, international program called “Building Cultural the Society for the Performing Arts, the Houston Grand Opera, Bridges.” Jami Lupold and Pat Surface developed this program and the Norwegian Seaman’s Church, providing unique and after the words of a TMEA keynote speaker became the catalyst creative opportunities for students and educators. The program for them to restructure their multicultural curriculum and revise allows students to discover that they are an integral part of society how they delivered the daily lessons. at the local, state, national, and international levels. The goal: cre- At the 2000 TMEA convention, these Pearl Hall Elementary ate a greater cultural tolerance by offering students and educators music educators heard Dr. Jeffrey Kimpton assert that for music a better understanding of the music and cultures of other nations. education to survive, music educators need to tap into com- While this continues to happen throughout the school, so many munity resources to establish a connection between education more offerings have come to the Pearl Hall Elementary students and the students’ place in the community. Lupold and Surface and staff. thought about how to put Kimpton’s words into action and BCB provides students innovative learning opportunities quickly recognized the amazing resources that existed in their to develop and use communication skills and technology to own backyard of Pasadena ISD. Now when Pearl Hall students explore international music, culture, and literature. “It gives us leave their music classes, they call out with “Ciao!”, “Sayonara!”, a tangible focus for multicultural education, with science con- or “Do Svidanya!” nections through music. Kids experience how music is a part of the lives not only of professional musicians, but also of scientists,

Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt engineers, world leaders, and continued BCB progress. In even astronauts—on earth and 2003, persistence paid off as they in space,” said Lupold. Surface welcomed their next BCB par- Music Education added, “Even though it is a Music may achieve ticipant, Carlos Miguel Prieto, major project with great intrica- the highest of all missions from Mexico, who was serv- cies, BCB serves as a vessel for : ing as the Houston Symphony delivering music education and Associate Conductor. After a few Builds Cultural Bridges for supporting cross-curricular astronauts, engineers, and musi- instruction, motivating students She may be a bond cians participated, word began to to embrace the cultures around spread. And as in all great orga- them.” Once the program took between nations, nizations, success bred more suc- root, it expanded in directions races, and states cess. To date, thirty participants no one dreamed of, and it took representing seventeen countries their school to places no one ever who are strangers have met with Pearl Hall stu- expected. to one another dents through this program. Launching BCB in many ways; Making International With Johnson Space Center Connections (JSC) serving as home to the During their music classes, nation’s astronaut corps prepar- She may unite fourth- and fifth-grade students ing both the U.S. and its inter- conduct formal interviews with national partners for living and what is disunited the international participants, working in space, as well as and bring peace and after learning their guests’ housing mission control centers favorite folksongs, students from for both the space shuttle and to what is hostile. various grade levels record them International Space Station (ISS), on campus using their digi- Lupold and Surface decided to tal recording studios. Since the focus the program on collect- program began, the students ing folk songs and children’s — Dr. Max Bendiner have interviewed approximately literature from each of the six- three individuals each semester. teen ISS-partnering countries. With only four of the sixteen The teachers devised a detailed proposal August 2002, NASA Education Director ISS-partnering countries remaining, the for education directors at the Houston Susan H. Anderson requested that Pearl Pearl Hall students may have all of the Symphony, the Houston Grand Opera, Hall students participate in a live interna- interviews completed by the end of the and NASA JSC Education Department tional webcast in NASA’s electronic class- school year. “Our kids are confident to to gain access to international participants room with astronauts at JSC and classes at ask questions of our international guests,” who would represent their countries in the Kennedy Space Center. That December, said Seth Fewell, who joined the Pearl BCB program. These participants would the first formal BCB interview featured Hall music education team after BCB had be interviewed by Pearl Hall students and Irish concert pianist Finghnin Collins begun. “On top of all that music educa- share their favorite childhood folksongs, from the Houston Symphony. However, tors already do, preparing for a BCB event children’s books, and cultural information with the tragic loss of the Columbia space is very involved, but often it doesn’t seem from their home country. shuttle crew and with restrictions imposed like work at all,” he added. Convincing all of the organizations to following the September 11 attacks, the One of the strengths in this program’s support this program wasn’t difficult. In Pearl Hall teachers were concerned about design is the consistent interview tech- whether international nique. Students have asked identical guests would be avail- interview questions of each participant able to support the since its inception. This not only helps the BCB program. students build confidence as they conduct While facing this the interviews, but also results in a con- challenge, Lupold sistent set of information gathered from came across the say- each country. “They were so organized. It ing, “What would really struck me—that they were going to you attempt if you do their journalistic best and their musical knew you would not best. They were connecting on all levels, fail?” She shared it and that’s what education is supposed to with Surface and this do. It was fun and startling to see them do perspective quickly it so well,” reflected Jack Bacon following Pearl Hall students interview became the driving his interview with the Pearl Hall students. Dottie Metcalf-Lindenberger force behind their As an ISS Systems Integration Engineer,

Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt Bacon works with all the different all-astronaut rock band formed in strong supporter of education through the systems on the ISS to make sure 1986 to raise the astronauts’ spirits arts. “As a science teacher, oftentimes, my Learning music is the entire space station is operating following the loss of the Challenger subject is now being touted as something as expected. crew. that is taking the place of music, but these important for many When they complete their Pearl Hall teachers have shown that you reasons. Playing interviews with representatives Bridging the Curriculum can bring music and science together by from all sixteen countries, they BCB has not only expanded bringing in the engineers and astronauts, musical instruments plan to make the interview infor- Pearl Hall students’ knowledge and connecting it all,” she explained. “I requires a discipline of mation and the student-recorded of music through the collection wish we would realize as a society that folksongs available on their school of international folk songs; it has a well-rounded person will learn about mind, coordination, website. A growing collection of also enhanced their educational all of these things . . . that we will take ear, and beauty. books from BCB guests is also experience by providing them science and we will take math, but that we available in the school library for with a unique understanding of will also recognize that studying music — Sergei Galperin HSO Violinist Sergei Galperin plays a balalaika students and teachers. While mov- how math, science, technology, with all of the subjects together make us Russian folk instrument for the Pearl Hall students. ing closer to this tangible goal, the HSO Associate Conductor Carlos and music are integrated in suc- better human beings.” music teachers saw an intangible Miguel Prieto instructs Pearl Hall cessful people’s lives. Whether BCB participant Carlos Miguel Prieto goal realized in the process— students on conducting techniques. engineers, musicians, or astro- exemplifies the success enabled by this the end result is a lot of contact with the table would have solved the problem with student understanding and appre- nauts, all of the BCB contributors well-rounded education. Prieto is an community. In this way, it is similar to the pure science, but the musicians in the ciation of other cultures and a vital have shared how important music accomplished violinist and professional life of a scientist who does a lot of solitary room intuitively knew the answer.” connection to a world beyond Pasadena. Canadian astronaut Colonel Chris education is in their lives and careers. In orchestra director; however, his degrees research in order to be able to share it with For Bacon and astronaut Chris Surface explained, “The children feel so Hadfield has visited the students several addition to learning about the connec- from Princeton and Harvard are in math- the world. The parallels between music Hadfield, music also provides an essen- connected to the world now. They’re not times for special events through the BCB tion between music and other disciplines, ematics and engineering. With this edu- and science never end.” tial connection between them and their on their isolated little island. We work program. “It’s delightful to go into your students also develop their own techni- cation, he could have easily ended up As the ISS Systems Integration international counterparts during their hard to branch out and see the big picture, average, mundane building and see such cal skills through this program by using working at NASA alongside several of the Engineer, Jack Bacon has experienced collaboration on the ISS. While both but the joy of the music and literature a spark of interest that has been created digital audio and video recording equip- other BCB participants, but Prieto instead more than just parallels between music and spent extensive time working in Russia, that everyone has brought—that’s wealth. by the teachers and that is being absorbed ment to record the interviews and, in a followed his passion for music. science. He has found that like him, other Hadfield also had the extraordinary expe- That’s the richness of the world that has by the students,” he said. “What makes a studio setting, to record the folk songs. While studying at Harvard, Prieto also NASA engineers with musical training rience of living on both Mir and the ISS been brought to them.” big difference in this program is that it is When written music is not available for a played violin and was concertmaster in have used this knowledge in their techni- with international crews. Houston Symphony Education included in the curriculum. The kids are participant’s folk song, the students search their orchestra. He commented, “I know cal analysis work required to keep the ISS As an astronaut on the second shuttle Director Roger Daily has worked with prepared. They’re interested, and so it’s the internet and if they don’t find it, they music helped me in my studies. I can’t operational. “We once had a problem on to go to Mir, Hadfield explained that he Pearl Hall from the beginning of the pro- not just the entertainment of the day.” are guided in how to dictate the music tell you if it helped me solve a differential the ISS that was basically a beat frequency didn’t just want to take up a plaque to com- gram to arrange participation by interna- Hadfield not only shares stories about that is heard. equation, but I can tell you that it gave me problem. Those who had musical training memorate the event. He had previously tional musicians. “For kids to be a part of his missions to work on Russia’s Mir Selected in 2004 to be a Mission this focus. There’s something that music recognized it immediately. Those who trained in Russia with Thomas Reiter, a program like this, where it makes the Space Station and on the International Specialist through NASA’s educator/ forces you to do that is very important for were working the pure physics were still a German astronaut with the European world not so big and not so different, is Space Station, but also stories of his pas- astronaut program, Dottie Metcalf- education and science, which is to make coming to grips with how we were seeing Space Agency who would be on Mir incredible,” he commented. “All of these sion for music, which started at an early Lindenberger recently visited Pearl Hall you able to concentrate for long periods this problem after we already knew the when they arrived. While they trained in guests have had a folk song and a favorite age when he learned to play guitar on to speak for their “Science Lift-Off” day of time. Also beneficial is the capacity to answer,” Bacon said. “You could hear it, Russia, Hadfield and Reiter also enjoyed story from their childhood to share—it’s his own and played trombone in band and to attend a music book club reception. analyze. You have to be able to analyze and see it. Anyone who has been slightly playing guitar together. When Hadfield a universal thing. To have music as some- at school. Hadfield continues to play A high school science teacher from where things fit in a very detailed way. out of tune would tell you—that’s what’s learned that the only guitar on Mir was thing that transcends all is very special.” music today as the leader of Max Q, the Colorado, Metcalf-Lindenberger is also a Sometimes this is very solitary work, but going on. The other engineers around the an old acoustic, he decided to take up a Building Cultural Bridges Participants 2002 May 23: Dr. Jack Bacon, USA, (NASA-JSC, ISS Integration March 3: Thomas Hultén, Norway (The Norweigan Seaman’s 2007 Aug. 27: Lance Bass, USA (*NSYNC Pop/Rock Artist) Specialist/Engineer) Church, Freelance Trombonist) Jan. 25: Dave Hadfield, Canada, (pilot/folk musician) Dec. 2: Finghin Collins, Ireland (Houston Symphony Orchestra Sept. 19: Dan Burbank, USA (NASA-JSC, Astronaut) March 29: Sergei Galperin, Russia (HSO, 1st Violinist) Feb. 13: Frank De Winne, Belgium (NASA/ESA International [HSO] concert pianist) Sept. 19: Chris Hadfield, Canada (NASA/CSA, Astronaut) April 18: Uri Pianka, Israel (HSO, Concert Master) Astronaut) April 26: Ingun Studsrød, Norway (Professor) Feb. 23: Gabriella Lena Frank, Peru (HSO, Composer) 2003 2004 May 24: Jean-Ives Thibaudet, France (HSO, International Mar. 8 Dr. Mike Pedley, England (NASA, lead scientist for the Jan. 22: Carlos Miguel Prieto, Mexico (HSO, Associate Feb. 6: Dr. Franklin Chang-Díaz, USA/Costa Rica (NASA-JSC, Concert Pianist) Aries Project) Conductor) Astronaut/Rocket Scientist) Mar. 28: Kees Vandersteen, The Netherlands (Bay Area Photography Club, photographer, cryogenics) Feb. 10: Dr. Samuel Adler, Germany (HSO, March 21: Damian Montano, USA (HSO, Composer/Bassoon 2006 Composer/Professor) soloist) Aug. 29: Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, USA (NASA-JSC, May 5: Dr. Christian Otto, Canada (Physician from the South April 7: Evelyn Glennie, Scotland, (HSO, World’s First Solo Sept. 28: Dr. Koichi Wakata, Japan (NASA/JAXA, Astronaut) Educator/Astronaut) Pole, co-op with NASA) Percussionist) Oct. 24: Ed Miller, Scotland (Folklorist/NPR Radio Host) Sept. 10: João Luis & Douglas Lora, Brazil (HSO, The Brasil May 5: Dennie Sayers, England (Houston Grand Opera, 2005 Oct. 27: Seven STOMP cast members, USA, (The Society for Guitar Duo) Sept. 19: Michael Lopez-Alegria, Spain (NASA Astronaut, International Choreographer) Jan. 25: Ana Thompson-Holliday, Denmark (Vice-Consul Four of the sixteen ISS-partnering the Performing Arts) 2003, cont’d General) Commander, Expedition 14 International Space Station) countries remain: Belgium, Brazil, Nov. 2: Paolo Nespoli, Italy (NASA/ESA, International May 15: John Connolly, USA (NASA-JSC Mars Exploration Feb. 25: Claude Nicollier, Switzerland (NASA/ESA, Lead Astronaut) Rover program) Astronaut of the European Space Agency) the Netherlands, and Spain

Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt custom-made guitar for Reiter and other musicians to enjoy while living in space. Pearl Hall Hadfield presented the guitar to the Mir crew, and while orbiting about 220 Music in Space miles above the earth, he and Reiter While on board the ISS on December 3, were able to connect again through their 2006, astronauts Thomas Reiter (Germany) shared love of music. Their music pro- and ISS Commander Michael Lopez- vided an even wider international connec- Alegria (Spain/USA) received a call from Astronauts work to tion when then Russian Prime Minister ISS mission control Flight Director saying upgrade the ISS. Viktor Chernomyrdin asked them to play that the Pearl Hall choir had a surprise gift a duet for him at the end of their two-way of music for Christmas . . . they had recorded “Still, Still, Still” in German and English and video link public relations event. Hadfield “Riu, Riu, Chiu” in Spanish. Upon the start of the Russian Christmas holiday, “Moscow reflected, “You can build cultural bridges Nights,” recorded in Russian by third graders and accompanied by Chris Hadfield, was played not just by speaking a common tongue, for Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin. Selections from the choir’s Christmas concert were but through other ways as well . . . and later uploaded to the Space Station Media Center for the crew’s enjoyment throughout the music is a terrific way to do that.” holidays. Photo by NASA/STS-116 crew Through the insights of their international guests and the cross-curricular around the globe and beyond. They have connected him to a world that would projects that Lupold and Surface have learned that this connection begins at a have been impossible to reach without it. implemented, BCB has strengthened the personal level by recognizing common- Music was one of very few pursuits that connections between music education alities they share with those they once could enable a person to leave the country. and core subject instruction at Pearl Hall. viewed only as different. Each presenter Achieving success as a professional violin- “Our version of music education is edu- has taught them that making connections ist meant that he could travel the world cation through music,” Lupold explained. with people from other cultures will be and discover a future that other Russian “We’re here to build a music education critical for their future success, and that children could never imagine. Galperin program that focuses on music as art as music can play a significant part in pro- observed that unlike in his home coun- well as a vehicle for teaching other subject viding those connections. try and many others, American kids don’t areas,” added Surface. Jack Bacon described how music has place limits on their future. “If you tell Bobbie Smiley, one of many Pearl Hall helped him make these connections: “In them that someday they’re going to be teachers who appreciates their perspective, my job, it’s very important to have the president, they truly believe it’s possi- said, “I teach math at school, but every broadest possible background and use ble,” he said. “If you say that in France or once in a while I break out into song and every part of my brain. I’m a systems inte- Germany, they will think you’re insane! If the kids look at me like I’m crazy! I use grator, so unlike any other job and more your father is a plumber, you’re going to music in teaching multiplication facts and than any other, I have to look at work from be a plumber. To be anything else is just other things. Music is something that ties thousands of different sides. To the extent not possible. So, it’s so nice to see that kind everything together—math, social stud- I can understand all of those people—to of spirit here,” he said. Galperin is a first ies—everything. So, I’m very pleased we the extent that I can think geometrically violinist with the Houston Symphony have the BCB at our school.” and rhythmically—anything it takes to Orchestra and said he hopes that visit- look for connections between the different ing with the students will help encourage Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders disciplines and cultures is imperative. I go them to pursue their dreams. “Maybe one Before BCB, many Pearl Hall students looking for those bridges. I look for con- or two or three will be inspired and end had never experienced a world beyond nections on every level, and with music, up in the Houston Symphony or end up the four-mile radius of South Houston. there’s already a connection there.” being an astronaut. A lot of times, this is Now they realize that their world extends Lupold explained that when students how these things work,” he said. connect with the presenters, they Since BCB has been in their school, are inspired to set lofty goals and Assistant Principal Judy Diaz has believe that they can reach them. observed a transformation of the Pearl She said, “Once the guests share Hall students, 85% of whom come from their love of music and learning, low socioeconomic families. “Now kids and of having had successes with see possibilities. They wouldn’t other- people from all over the world wise think beyond their own experience, —that they like sports, have pets but they do now.” Roger Daily has visited and families—the students seem many schools through his work with the to gain a sense that becoming Houston Symphony Orchestra and said, highly successful is not out of “I can see many of these young students their reach.” in years to come standing up as leaders in For BCB participant Sergei front of major companies,” he said. Chris Hadfield plays the custom-made guitar he Galperin, who grew up in presented to the crew of the Russian Mir Space Station. Communist Russia, music

Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt Backing BCB Looking in Your Backyard musicians think we are important enough Lupold and Surface could not have Although your backyard may not house to spend time with us and be a part of the achieved their goals without the support NASA or the Houston Symphony, it will BCB program.” of Pearl Hall administrators. Once they have businesses and organizations with created a plan for this program, Lupold international affiliations that are part of Reaching the World and Surface immediately sought the the community in some way. Participating Because of BCB, Pearl Hall students approval of their school administrators in programs like BCB offers businesses have heard the Houston Symphony (Principal Marilyn Pavone and Assistant excellent opportunities to develop positive perform in Jones Hall, performed pre- Principals Judy Diaz and Jane Regner). community relations, so they are likely to concert music before the symphony con- “We always start with our principal, to be willing participants. Jack Bacon com- certs, performed concerts with astronauts gain her endorsement,” Surface said. “She mented, “It’s such a beautiful concept and from Max-Q at the International Space has shown total confidence and has been a it works on so many levels whether it be Station Educators Conference and the real champion.” Lupold added, “It’s taken music or rocket science. It’s easy to copy, Texas Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, an immense amount of belief and risk- which makes it all the more amazing that toured Johnson Space Center, sung for taking on their part to allow us to step out I haven’t seen it before.” over 100 international delegates at the like we have.” Principal Pavone explained how impor- World Space Congress, interviewed lead- Pearl Hall administrators are strong tant programs like BCB are to school ing international scientists and musicians, advocates for music education, and have administrators. “As an educator, I always been the featured school on two live web a deep appreciation for the value BCB feel responsible for the whole child. So, casts at the NASA electronic classroom, adds to the Pearl Hall students’ experi- I’m constantly looking for a good hook, and much more. Lupold explained, “We ence. “The excitement that [the students] such as the arts, where children can enjoy couldn’t take our students and school have for other things in the world is a it and translate it into their academics. It’s around the world, so we’ve brought the direct result of their participation in our a great place to start. To have this project world to them.” music education programs,” said Assistant that has brought world-class arts, science, Since looking in their own backyard Principal Regner. Principal Pavone and literature to our kids and teachers has six years ago, Lupold and Surface have believes that BCB supports the vision been a very validating experience.” One continued to build bridges throughout that is the basis for everything educators Pearl Hall fifth grader who interviewed their community, country, planet, and do each day—a vision she expects will be seven members from the cast of STOMP beyond. Through music education, they the same ten years from now. “We want to echoed this as she reflected on her experi- have opened up the world for their stu- enable the kids to be successful,” she said. ence: “It’s cool that astronauts and famous dents and enabled them to believe in a future without limits.

For more information about this program, What Pearl Hall Third and Fourth Graders contact Jami Lupold (jlupold@pasadenaisd. org), Pat Surface ([email protected]) Say About Building Cultural Bridges or Seth Fewell ([email protected]). Pearl Hall teachers and administrators What have you liked most about interviewing extend their gratitude to Roger Daily and international guests and learning their favorite folk songs? Carol Wilson with the Houston Symphony, • I feel good when people come to help us learn. the NASA Education Department and • We get to learn what their childhood was like in their own country and Astronaut Appearance Office, Chris Hadfield compare it to ours. and the Canadian Space Agency, as well as • I like learning songs that most people in America haven’t ever heard of. the European Space Agency, the Society for • I like learning new songs in different languages. the Performing Arts, consuls general’s offices in • We enjoy learning their songs and it’s fun. Houston, the Houston Grand Opera, and the • When people come from other countries, they share with us different Norwegian Seaman’s Church for their incred- kinds of music from our own. ible support of this program.

Why should other schools start a program like Building Cultural Bridges? Special thanks to • I think it would be good for other students to have a chance to learn how Jami Lupold and we are learning. Pat Surface for shar- • We feel kind of special that we are the only ones getting this right now. ing their extraordi- • Other kids should have a chance to do some of these things too. nary success story, • Other kids could learn about all these careers like we have. for organizing inter- • Other kids can learn to have respect for people of different cultures. views with these • I want other kids to be able to learn about different cultures because there BCB contributors, and most of all, for their will be many people from other countries we will meet in the future. genuine commitment to excellence in music education. 0

Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt Texas Music Educators Association promoting excellence in music education since 1920

Begun in 1920 as the Texas Band Teachers Association, the Texas Music Educators Association is an organization of over 10,000 school music educators dedicated to promoting excellence in music education and united by the following common goals:

• To foster public support for music in schools • To offer quality musical experiences for students • To provide professional growth opportunities • To encourage interaction among music education professionals • To cultivate universal appreciation and lifetime involvement in music • To develop and maintain productive working relationships with other professional organizations

TMEA is comprised of five Divisions: Band, Orchestra, Vocal, Elementary and College, each of which is led by an elected Vice-President who serves on the TMEA Executive Board. Members in each division are active and retired educators and college students. Music industry leaders also support TMEA with their sustaining memberships.

The state is divided into 28 geographic Regions, enabling each Region to carry out TMEA objectives at the local level. Each Region has representation on the State Board of Directors. Each of the seven Areas are comprised of four Regions.

TMEA leaders represent the more than 10,000 members at the state level, voicing their concerns and providing information to the Texas Legislature, the State Board of Education, the University Interscholastic League and all professional educational organizations in the state. In addition, TMEA assists its members in promoting music education at the local level.

Robert Floyd has served as TMEA Executive Director since 1992. Before joining TMEA, he worked as a Texas music educator for 26 years.

Texas Music Educators Association 7900 Centre Park Drive, Austin, TX 78754 (888) 318-8632/(512)452-0710 FAX: (512) 451-9213 www.tmea.org

Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt Southwestern Musician/February 2007 Excerpt PB