Al-Bustan’s team of teaching artists conduct residencies at various Philadelphia area schools. One example is highlighted below.
Germantown Friends School: Sept-Oct 2010
Music Director Hanna Khoury and Percussionist Hafez Kotain led a residency of five classes spread out over 5-weeks at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia. They taught 7th grade students to play Arab rhythms and sing Arabic songs (Yalle Zaratu El-Burta’an, Nassam Alayna, and Asfoor). The culminating performance for middle school students, teachers and parents was held on October 27, 2010.
GFS music teacher Anne Hess remarked:
Our students are being challenged way beyond their comfort zones, finding great success and enjoying the whole experience immensely. The level of professionalism and musicianship from Al-Bustan’s teachers is first-rate. Hanna and Hafez know how to draw the best out of students.
This residency was made possible by Germantown Friends School and the Middle East Center of University of Pennsylvania. We thank them for their interest in bringing Arab music into the school and we complement the students on their dedication and effort!
