Students in the Barrhead Composite High School band program had the opportunity to travel to Cuba May 17 to 25. BCHS band director Kerri-Lee Kostiw shares a recount of the unforgettable music trip.
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It was an incredible trip! We had 20 students, eight parent chaperones and myself. We spent most of our time in the city and surrounding area of Havana, but did spend one day touring the westerly province of Pinar del Rio. There, we hiked up a mountain trail for a panoramic view of the mountains, valleys and rain forest of Cuba. We played in a waterfall, visited a tobacco farm, boated in an underground river/cave, and left humanitarian donations for some country families.
We had musical/cultural exchanges with two schools and a community centre. There, we performed our concert of Canadian music which was narrated by our guide/translator – explaining about our country, it’s music, culture and traditions. To end our concert, we performed a beloved Cuban piece: Guantanamera which was warmly received by our Cuban hosts. I think they really appreciated the effort we made to play one of their favorite songs. They also loved “Hockey Night in Canada” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” which was sung by one of our musicians, and accompanied by a small part of the ensemble. It was touching to hear the Cuban’s singing along with us as we played. We also left donations of musical supplies, instruments, dancewear, and hygienic items.
Another highlight for all of us was playing our national anthem so far from home, in such a different setting than we are used to. We all felt very grateful to our country and all the privileges we enjoy. Another personal highlight for me was to conduct “The Water is Wide” while looking out across the vast ocean.
Besides learning an immense amount from our guide (who is actually a University teacher of English and French) about the history of Cuba, colonialism, revolutions, government, ethnic diversity, and the way of life of everyday Cubans, we also were able to visit a Home for Children Without Parental Support (orphanage). After meeting the principal of the home and leaving donations for the kids (soap, toothbrushes, toys etc…) we walked to a nearby park and played a game of soccer and had races. It was amazing to watch the kids interact and have fun without actually having to speak the same language.
We also attended several concerts of jazz music (vocal and instrumental), a Latin percussion workshop, and an Afro-Cuban cultural dance group. And we learned to Salsa! We had lots of practice because everywhere we went and after each concert they would say “Let’s Dance!” and we did! What a brave group of students I had. They were willing to try anything new and I was so proud of their enthusiasm and adventurous spirit. We also had amazing parent chaperones who bonded with the kids and made their experience safe and fun.
For many of the kids, flying on an airplane and playing in the salty ocean was a completely new experience. So was hearing mostly Spanish everyday, and eating new foods. It was a week packed with new experiences, sounds, smells, music, people and friendships.
Fourteen years ago I made my first trip to Cuba with a group of music students and came back inspired and moved. This trip was even better. I am so thankful to my students for making all the planning worthwhile, for all the support of our community, and look forward to returning to Cuba in the near future with another group of BCHS students.
