Hope Partnership Nepal / 1003 Lakeview Terrace, Azusa, California 91702 / 626-616-9129
We received a $10,000 grant from the Davis Peace Initiative!
Individual donors provided over $2,000 in musical instruments and equipment for KJC.
Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory / An act of love
KJC is a new center for musical studies which opened in the fall of 2007 in the sub-metropolitan city of Lalitpur, just outside Kathmandu, Nepal. The mandate of the Conservatory is to create a music environment where musicians can become knowledgeable in various musical subjects, be exposed to different music genres, and most importantly, where all musicians, from beginners to advanced can receive a proper music education. The comprehensive curriculum allows students to choose from among a wide variety of courses including applied lessons in various instruments, music arranging, improvisation, jazz and Hindustani music theory and history, ear training, midi instruction, studio recording, subjects not offered elsewhere in Nepal. To achieve this they are recruiting teachers from abroad to help train the Nepali people, so that in the future the school will feature a highly skilled and competent, fully Nepali staff. To find out more, please check out the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory web site.
KJC was founded by Mariano E. Abello, a Spanish citizen who loves Nepal and has been living here since 2005 with his beautiful wife and his two daughters. Mariano studied music in Spain and the USA, with a BA in Jazz Studies and a Masters in Arts with emphasis in Woodwind Performance and Pedagogy. He has taught privately for more than 10 years and also in institutions in the US and Spain. In addition, Mariano tours and leads workshops in many parts of the world such Brazil, Europe, the US, Australia and Asia.
Mariono was motivated to open a music school in Nepal when he saw the talent in so many of the country's musicians, a most unusual talent. He resoned that if Nepalese musicians were able to play so beautifully by simply copying what they heard from CDs, then they would be able to accomplish even more with meaningful musical training. In addition to the lack of proper music schools and music educators, they faced many difficulties in going abroad to study. Even when doing so was possible, their families would not allow them to study music: "Are we going to spend that much money for you to do something useless? No sir, you will become a doctor or an engineer or a lawyer"
But Mariano held fast to his belief that Nepalese musicians can study music in their own country and become professional musicians. He declares, "Music is not useless; it can change the world! " He promises that KJC will help students achieve their dreams of becoming successful musicians.
When KJC informed us of their need for musical instruments, we utilized HPN web and facebook sites to gather a donated microphone and stand, an instrument repari kit as well as instruments: viola, sax, flute and clarinet. . With careful handling as carry-on baggage, these delicate and valuable items were brought to Nepal by our team. The estimated value of these donations is $2,000.
Corresponding solely through email, neither Lindsay and Mariano had an idea how well the combined groups would work together. It was apparent at the first meeting over dinner that both HPN and KJC were kindred spirits in a desire to increase the standard of music education in Nepal.
The pace was hectic from beginning to end with two concerts, voice and accompaniment master classes to be taught by Lindsay and Ayako, and private lessons along with radio and print interviews to promote the festival. The first concert was a fundraiser aimed at the international community during the first week. All were delighted at the 150+ attendance and the ability to raise more funding for KJC.
The final night of the festival was held at the renowned Patan Square museum that offers a court yard venue surrounded by lush trees and plants. Fortunately, the rain that is common for this time of year did not materialize, leaving the standing-room-only audience free to enjoy the outside concert in the beautiful garden setting. Music from a wide variety to genres was performed: Traditional Nepalese music, jazz, original songs, and, of course, opera. Prior to the closing set, Lindsay and Mariano awarded scholarships and certificates of participation to deserving music students. Mariano gave an inspiring word about increasing the quality of music education for Nepalese young people who would otherwise not be able to develop their talent or contribute the gift of music to their country.
