TAI Youth Leadership Fellowship
Guatemala
July 9-18, 2023
IN ARTISTIC PARTNERSHIP WITH
IN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP WITH
Welcome to the TAI Youth Leadership Fellowship, a unique study abroad opportunity that empowers young people to become global citizens and leaders through music.
By using music as a common language, TAI Youth Leaders will take part in an intensive 10-day immersion program in partnership with Orchestra Lumos and El Sistema Guatemala (SOG). Youth Leaders will rehearse together alongside other youth musicians from SOG in large ensembles, chamber groups, and instrumental sectionals. They will also participate in 5 youth leadership modules.
Our program provides youth with the opportunity to travel abroad and immerse themselves in a different culture and language, to explore the power of music and its global impact, and to gain a deeper understanding of the world and their own cultural identity. We provide a comprehensive package of professional opportunities, cultural enrichment, and musical instruction, all designed to help young people grow and develop their musical knowledge and leadership skills. Through our leadership activities, youth learn valuable skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. Students will also have the chance to work with esteemed professionals in the music industry and gain insights and knowledge about the international music scene.
The program is designed to be accessible to all youth, regardless of their background or experience. We provide financial aid and scholarships to those who qualify.
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The TAI Guatemala Fellowship is open to youth musicians who have been playing for a minimum of 1 academic year at school, an after school program, a youth orchestra, or taking private lessons. Youth musicians must be at least 12 years old by the time of travel. Priority consideration given to those who speak Spanish.
Fellowship openings for 2023:
4 Violins
2 Violas
2 Cellos
1 Double Bass
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Pre-event: Goal setting, Identifying Values. This event will happen in the US prior to group departure. Time & Place TBD.
Module 1: Team Building with Youth Leaders from El Sistema Guatemala
Module 2: Mapping Cultural Assets and Community. Presented by El Sistema Guatemala Leadership
Module 3: Building Empathy and Understanding through Chamber Music
Module 4: Creating Social Impact in our Shared World - How Music Shapes Communities
Module 5: Reflection, Understanding, Applying, Amplifying Leadership Principles. Post-event: Selected students will present and perform at the opening of Orchestra Lumos’ season concert at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, CT.
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To apply, submit your application and audition materials through the Acceptd portal linked above and below.
A. Your story. We want to get to know you!
— Written or video. If written, a minimum of 500 words. If in video format, between 2-3 minutes in length.
— Things to consider: who you are, where you are from, what you like to do, what makes you happy, what makes you proud to be you, what you value, anything you want to share about yourself, etc.
B. Your musical journey. We want to hear the story of your musical background and where you want to go in the future.
— Written or video. If written, a minimum of 500 words. If in video format, between 2-3 minutes in length.
— In telling the story of your music journey, be sure to address the following topics: What experience do you have playing music on your instrument? What, if any, other experience do you have with music? (other instruments, singing, musical theater, composing, etc.) What do you love about music? Why do you want to be a TAI Youth Leadership Fellow, and how do you think this experience will impact your future?
C. Video Audition. These can be all in one video or separated.
— Two scales of your choice
— All Through the Night (download here)
— A piece or song that you love to play
Video tips:
— Film the videos in landscape (horizontally).
— For speaking videos, write out your answers first before filming to avoid rambling and incoherent thoughts.
— For your audition videos(s), make sure that we can see your entire instrument and bow throughout the video.
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Includes:
— Roundtrip Airfare to/from Guatemala City from a NYC airport
— All meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner) + snacks — Room & board (all students have a single bed assignment)
— 3-Day Tourism Excursion to Antigua, Guatemala
— All in-country transportation, including to/from Antigua
— 24/7 Adult Chaperone who is Bilingual in English & Spanish
— Masterclass opportunities with musicians from Orchestra Lumos & TAI Faculty
— Performance opportunities in Guatemala City, including the US Embassy — Participation in the TAI Youth Leadership Program, which includes 5 modules
— An opportunity to perform at the opening Orchestra Lumos season concert 2023-2024