Cultural Ambassador Program
The Cultural Ambassador Program brings music to people of all ages who might not otherwise have access to live concerts. It also provides young artists with valuable performance experience, mentorship and summer employment. The program assists young musicians in performing throughout their communities wherever they are needed – e.g. seniors homes, hospitals, interpretation centres, schools and libraries. In the process, they will improve their technical and social skills as well as provide a beneficial service to their community.
Cultural Ambassadors
are between 18-30 years old
possess a valid drivers license and have access to a vehicle
have had some experience performing music in public
have access to a computer, tablet or smart phone with audio/video capability
enjoy meeting people of all ages and have the willingness and commitment to learn new songs, techniques, and skills
have studied an instrument or voice formally or have had considerable experience performing music in public
have the willingness to learn and perform a variety of music. While the basis of the mentorship program is the traditional and popular music of Newfoundland and Labrador, we encourage Ambassadors to perform any type of music appropriate to the setting (e.g. folk, pop, country, classical, gospel and jazz).
Performances
The Cultural Ambassador Program brings music to a wide range of people that rarely have the opportunity to experience live music. Some may face difficulties in communicating and be cut off from the joy and pleasure of participating and sharing with others. Our approach is to mentor young musicians in performing in their communities wherever they are needed. Ideally, Ambassadors will visit each venue on a regular basis, getting to know their audience and interact with them on a personal level. In this way, the performances have a greater beneficial impact.
During the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions Ambassadors may have to perform some concerts remotely, using video conferencing and social media platforms. Residents can still listen to the music, sing along with the performers and request songs. While perhaps not as effective as in-person performances, online presentations can be a great way of keeping residents active and raising their spirits until the Ambassadors can perform for them in person.
A Brief History of the Cultural Ambassador Program
The Cultural Ambassador Program started in 2017 when Soundbone hired its first Ambassador. With funds from Canada Summer Jobs, our young musician performed music and conducted workshops all along the Kittiwake Coast during the summer months. The following year we involved another organization that hired and supervised an Ambassador in another part of the Province. In 2019 we partnered with Terra Nova National Park, who provided workshop space and accomodations for our mentorship program. During this week-long event we worked with four young artists to develop their performance and social skills, enabling them to perform interactively with audiences of all ages. In 2019 the Cultural Ambassador Program expanded to include three other organizations who also sponsored young artists through Canada Summer Jobs. In 2020 we introduced online mentorship and invited several professional artists to work with the Ambassadors throughout the summer. Some of their performances were done remotely using social media and video conferencing.
Arts and community organizations involvement
Arts and community organizations that would like to be involved in the Cultural Ambassador Program can hire young people through Canada Summer Jobs or they can finance their employment through other sources of funding. Organizations should be willing to supervise the Ambassadors throughout their summer employment, as well as help them plan their schedule and ensure their safety. Soundbone will help screen prospective candidates, offer them training and provide mentorship.
The Cultural Ambassador Program creates opportunities for young musicians to offer their skills to others while gaining performing experience. It delivers free musical concerts tailored to a wide variety of venues and ages. The Program also encourages young artists to develop their social skills along with their performing abilities – qualities such as generosity of spirit, organization and flexibility. We enhance these capabilities through our mentorship and training program while preparing them to perform in a variety of situations and for diverse age groups.
For more information please contact:
Eric West – Artistic Director
Claudia Karrasch – General Manager
Soundbone Traditional Arts Foundation Inc.
Box 40
Ladle Cove, NL, Canada
A0G 2Y0
709-670-3377
info@soundbone.ca
www.soundbone.ca