AMERICAN VOICES NOW ACCEPTING ENSEMBLE APPLICATIONS TO TOUR WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE’S AMERICAN MUSIC ABROAD

Who/What:

American Voices, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is now accepting ensemble applications for the American Music Abroad 2012-2013 touring season. 

To represent the full spectrum of the American musical landscape, musical ensembles from across the United States that specialize in Hip Hop, Rock & Roll, Jazz, Country, and other American roots music including but not limited to Native American, Latin, Afro-Caribbean, Blues, Bluegrass, Cajun, Gospel and Zydeco are invited to apply for this international exchange program.  TheAmerican Music Abroad program offers the opportunity to conduct musical exchange tours abroad, particularly to countries not often visited by American musicians, to foster cross-cultural engagement and understanding.

When:

January 16, 2012: Application deadline 5pm PST

January 27, 2012:  Announcement of up to 40 ensembles invited to live auditions.

Mid-February, 2012: Live Auditions. 

Spring/Summer 2012: Announcement of 2012-13 American Music Abroad finalists.

Where:

More information and applications for the 2012-2013 tours are available at www.exchanges.state.gov and www.americanvoices.org/ama

Musicians inquiring about applications can call 314-732-1323, email: ama@americanvoices.org or skype: americanmusicabroad

Background:

American Music Abroad engages with people across the world through music.  Working in partnership, American Voices and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will produce a series of month-long, multi-country cultural exchange programs for approximately 10 ensembles drawn from a wide variety of American musical genres.  

Through public concerts, interactive performances with local musicians, lectures and workshops, the American Music Abroad program builds on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vision of “smart power” diplomacy, which embraces the full range of diplomatic tools – in this case music – to bring people together and foster greater understanding.