Students, families and friends –
I hope this finds everyone safe and healthy. Kutsinhira remains closed as we and the entire world await to see how this pandemic plays out. To the point: we will generally follow the 4J School System’s lead and of course any statewide orders as to when we might reopen. As of today, 4J schools remain closed until April 28 and so will Kutsinhira. Additionally this year’s Zimfest, the annual Zimbabwean Music Festival, has been cancelled. With these interruptions to our usual educational fare and entertainment, we at Kutsinhira are talking about ways we might be able to offer instruction during the late spring and summer seasons. As options become available, we will share them with you. I know we all hope for a quick resolution to the virus’ disruptions and so we busy ourselves until then with other things. Here are some distractions and learning options I can offer now.
I took this picture a couple of years ago during my travels in the American Southwest. It’s a place of amazing beauty that I’ve enjoyed visiting, Bryce National Park in southern Utah. I wanted to share something that brings good memories to me but also might bring you a moment of calm, a moment of break from today’s crises. Another way I’ve taken a break lately is to pick up the mbira, brushing off old parts and relearning forgotten ones. Perhaps you’ve had a sparkle of interest in the mbira and now find yourself with some time to explore the instrument. Feel free to reach out to me at gary@kutisnhira.org or to our Education Director Sue Dickman at sue@kutsinhira.org if you’d like more information about renting an mbira and about resources for virtual learning. A great brand new resource about the mbira is the two-book collection The Art of Mbira and Mbira’s Restless Dance co-written by our friend and long-time mbira teacher Cosmas Magaya. The books include video clips for easy virtual learning of mbira. Check them out here http://mbiraplatform.org/ and for purchase online at Smile Amazon. Speaking of Smile Amazon, while you find yourself with time, be sure to make Kutsinhira your supported charity and use the Smile Amazon portal so that your shopping benefits our organization.
I’m sure many of you are reading more. I stumbled across this fascinating article about the history of the Zimbabwean marimba written by Claire Jones, professor of ethnomusicology at the University of Washington and coordinator of the Zimbabwean Music Festival. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/216e/775b599eff4071e9a310e8ce5d068dc8abdb.pdf
And for your musical enjoyment, be sure to check out the newly released CD Tinofamba by Kudana, Eugene’s oldest marimba ensemble. http://kudanamarimba.bandcamp.com. You’ll recognize many of the songs which include beautiful vocals and the amazing talents of our friend and teacher Muskeiwa Chingodza and local Zimbabwean guitar extraordinaire Gilbert Zvamaida.