VSA Arts Announces Sound Ricochet: an International Music and Writing Exchange

To: NATIONAL EDITORS

Contact: Stephanie Taylor of VSA arts, +1-202-628-2800 ext. 3883, sktaylor@vsarts.org

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ –VSA artsis launchingan international music exchange program where students ages 8-14 share their musical traditions with each other through video. Sound Ricochetis designed to be carried out in an environment that is inclusive of both students with and without disabilities. Participating classrooms create four video segments with written descriptions of their cultural relevance. VSA artswill then compile the videos onto a DVD that will be distributed amongst the classrooms.

VSA artsbelieves all students can learn from one another, said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. Sound Ricochetis designed to facilitate meaningful discussions in the classroom and give students an opportunity to gain insight into other cultures.

Sound Ricochetwill create valuable cross-cultural, educational experiences as students study and use music to communicate about their lives. Students will develop a better understanding of the music that exists in their own cultures, while building literacy skills and exploring the musical traditions of other students elsewhere in the world. Through Sound Ricochet, music becomes the bridge by which students share their personal experience.

The program is designed for any classroom and teachers of all levels of musical experience. A teacher guide provides four lessons, each with two activities: a literacy connection project, and an additional exercise for music teachers. The literacy connection activity employs musical themes to develop students reading and writing skills.

Participating schools for the 2008-2009 school year include:

— Sylvia Lasky Memorial School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

— St. Francis School – VSA artsPhilippines, Inc., in Quezon City, Philippines

— Help Center in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

— McGarrah Elementary School in Morrow, Georgia

— Howe School in Dearborn, Michigan

— Rafael Hernandez School in Newark, New Jersey

— Crockett Elementary School in San Marcos, Texas

Additional interested applicants should contact VSA artsfor an enrollment form. Applications are due before Sep. 5, 2008. For more information, please call (202)628-2800 or visit www.vsarts.org.

AboutVSA arts

VSA artsis an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.VSA artsprovides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities.VSA artsshowcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate inVSA artsprograms through a nationwide network of affiliates and in 55 countries around the world.VSA artsis an affiliate of theJohnF.KennedyCenterfor the Performing Arts. For more information, please visitwww.vsarts.org.

SOURCE VSA arts

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