In “A Musical
Trip Around the World”, Miho and Diego will introduce their native music
and encourage the audience to participate by joining them in body
percussion as well as singing in both Japanese and Spanish. This program
is designed to help the audience understand different cultures and
languages by introducing a new genre of music. Participants will have
the opportunity to learn the names and histories of various instruments
that are very difficult to find in the States. This 45 minute program
includes elements that appeal to audiences of all ages.
Miho and Diego have found great joy in exploring and
mastering the musical traditions of their own countries and considere it
to be a wonderful tool to stay connected to their roots even after
leaving their homes. It is from this joy that the concept of this
program is derived; to encourage participants, whether born in or
outside of the United States, to begin to discover and explore their own
heritage. The program aims to accomplish this goal by combining two of
the most natural and powerful aspects of cultural identity: music and
language.
The Miho & Diego Duo has been performing this program with the help and
support of the King County Public Library System, Kansai Band
Association (Japan), the King County 4Culture Special Project Grant, and
the City of Renton.
Instruments:Quena
(Andean bamboo flute), Zampoña (Andean pan pipes), Marimba, Taiko,
Binsasara, Bombo, Taiko drum, Bongo, Maracas, Guitar, Cuatro (4 stringed
small guitar), Charango (10 stringed small guitar) and more.
Previous Venues: 2008 Seattle International Children’s
Festival Educator’s session, John Stanford International School, Enatai
Elementary School, Shorewood High School, Merril Gardens (senior
center), Carnation Elementary School, Madrona Elementary School (Sea Tac)
and twenty different King County libraries.