Cantar!: Increasing Cultural Awareness through Choral Music Mary Ann Pulk, VocalEssence Consul Ana Luisa Fajer Flores, Consulado de Mxico en Saint Paul Kimberly Meisten, VocalEssence Jorge Czatl, Composer Building a Foundation for Success Cultural Exploration - WITNESS Why Mexico? Engaging the Community: Advisory Committee Recruiting Composers Staffing and Funding To Make Wonderful Music, You Need Wonderful Relationships Board & Staff Potential Donors Community Supporters and Volunteers Schools Composers Community Organizations Keep an Open Mind Be curious learn, learn, learn all you can about Mexico and your local school populations Visit the country itself Learn a new language Develop cultural sensitivity Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities School & Composer Letters of Agreement Teacher Orientation Communication is Key Develop your Evaluation Plan at the Beginning Develop Community Partnerships Working with Catholic Churches within the Hispanic Ministry Without persistence, there is no payoff Grassroots Promotion Ensure Successful School Partners Committed & Skilled Music Teachers: Teachers know their students better than anyone else (Let them take the lead in determining who participates in the school) The Nuts & Bolts of Scheduling Workshops (Some tips for working with elementary music classes) Support of School Administration Be Present and Have Patience Observe classes and the aha moments will abound Provide artistic and administrative support Document: Photograph and videotape (dont forget the photo releases!) Logistics, logistics, logistics P-3 Visa Application Tips Transportation Charging Schools? Charging for Concert? Venue? Reflect and Revise Plans as Needed Be flexible! Celebrate the Expected and Unexpected Outcomes Questions: Kimberly Meisten Learn more about Cantar!Learn more about VocalEssence Music Press