Jaime Pajaro, accordion player, Latin Percussion and Vallenato leader says, “I like the World Ensemble because I enjoy sharing all new things I’ve learned about music.”
Carla Alas, vocalist and percussionist, says, “I love the World Ensemble because it is a great cultural experience.”
Diana Downey, violinist, vocalist and percussionist, says, “I enjoy the experience I’ve had in the World Ensemble mostly because it has helped me grow as a musician and realize the possibilities in the world of music.”
Jay Katzenberger, electric bass, vocalist and percussionist thinks “The World Music Ensemble is Great!!! The variety of culture, music and great people makes every year at MC extra special. It is a wonderful addition to my life.”
Jermaine Swaby, composer, vocalist, guitarist and percussionist thinks that “The sound of any music is a mutual language which is emphasized in the World Music Ensemble.”
Melanie Pinkert, vocalist, percussionist, Korean instruments, says “We are all at different levels with different experiences, but we come together to create something absolutely fantastic.”
Ade Bolugun, vocalist, photographer and website designer says, “This ensemble brings the spirit out of everyone as they join in what it takes to be alive and well in music, spirit and sound!”
Bobak Manesh, digital photographer, “The music was awesome and I felt great that I could participate by capturing it in pictures.”
“Through world music, I have found a new understanding of my own music, the music from my country. In fact, in the past I didn’t like traditional music at all. Since my participation in World Music class and World Arts Festival events, I have taken time to understand the life philosophy taught in the traditional music. I have discovered that traditional songs are full of life lessons. World music has helped me to break the wall between me and traditional music. I’m now also open and interested in music of other countries, too. I think that music is a powerful tool, which keeps humanity together in peace. A vivid example is the world music group of Montgomery College created by Professor Dawn Avery. This group composed of artists from multi cultures is impressive in the image and message it conveys and breaks the walls of differences among the audience anytime it performs.” – Valeria Tingbo
