MUSIC DELEGATION TO RUSSIA
Dr. William Hill, DELEGATION LEADER
April 1–10, 2005

PROFESSIONAL MEETING JOURNAL

This was a delegation of music educators, performing artists, and music lovers, selected to participate in professional and cultural exchanges with their professional counterparts in Russia. Under the auspices of People to People Ambassador Programs, our desire was to be engaged in educational dialogue with our Russian friends to help increase international understanding on both professional and personal levels. The primary professional purpose of this delegation was to study the systems and methods for instruction of music education in Russia. In addition, the delegates were able to enjoy many cultural experiences on a more personal level.

Today’s Date: April 3, 2005       City: Moscow
Name: Jane Aten Leader’s        Last Name: Hill

The first day of the Music Educators’ National Conference visit in Moscow was both exciting and informative. On this cold Sunday morning our very competent guide, Alla Levitina, provided a capsule version of Russian history as we toured the Kremlin, which had its beginning as early as the 11th century.

A highlight inside the Kremlin was the State Armory, the oldest museum in Russia. There we saw a stunning collection from the Russian monarchy, including the crown jewels, Faberge eggs, dresses worn by Catherine the Great, and royal carriages.

Leaving the Armory, we proceeded to Cathedral Square, stopping to view the Czar cannon and bell – so heavy that it was never rung! In Cathedral Square, we visited the Church of the Assumption, used throughout Czarist times for coronations. All of us were awed to be in the presence of frescoes and icons, which have witnessed so much history.

After seeing the Kremlin, we enjoyed a bus tour of Moscow, with Alla pointing out important buildings and telling something of their history. The tour ended at The Taras Bubba Restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious Ukrainian style meal, served by waiters in colorful Ukrainian dress.

To crown the day, we went to the famous Bolshoi Theatre to hear Verdi’s “Falstaff” – a beautiful experience both visually and aurally. As we were driven back to the hotel, the sight of Moscow by night whetted our appetite for the days ahead.


Today’s Date: April 4, 2005            City: Moscow
Name: Nancy Vogan Leader’s        Last Name: Hill

Moscow Children’s Musical School #2 named after I.O. Dunaevskiy

Dr. Willie Hill introduced members of the delegation, stressing how excited we were to be in Russia to learn about music education here and share ideas. He explained the diverse backgrounds of our members; we represent nine states and one Canadian province.

Mr. Alexander Krasi welcomed us to the school and introduced two members of his faculty. He gave us a short history of the school, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. He also provided a brief overview of the structure of music education in Russia. Most music instruction is given in music schools, which students attend in addition to regular schools. This particular music school has 1, 250 students at present, with 32 possible specializations. Their jazz division is the largest in Moscow. Students participate in many concerts, festivals, and competitions.

After a question and answer session, we were given a tour of the school, followed by a short concert by a young pianist and also an alto saxophone player. We were then taken to the top floor of the school for a performance of the jazz division. We were most impressed by the performance level and professionalism of these young students. A short tour of the small museum dedicated to the founder of the school and formal “thank yous” and exchange of gifts concluded this first formal introduction to music education in Russia.

In the afternoon we continued our cultural program with our excellent guide, visiting Red Square and the Moscow Metro. Following and early dinner on Arbat Street we returned to the hotel for an evening on our own.


Today’s Date: April 8, 2005        City: St. Petersburg
Name: Jane Ross Leader’s         Last Name: Hill

The delegation had a bus tour of the city. We visited the Peter and Paul Fortress, shopped, had a rest stop at the Red October, and visited St. Isaac’s Cathedral. The delegation had a wonderful meal at a local restaurant, Scandanavian style.

We visited the V.V. Andreev Music School. The two guests went for a tour of Catherine’s Palace. At the school, we were greeted at the door by the Headmaster, Mr. Yuriy Y. Lihachev, who was our host and guide for the entire visit. We were ushered into a conference room and were joined by members of the school’s faculty. Mr. Lihachev welcomed us warmly and told us that we were in a state musical school named after Mr. Andreev who was instrumental in preserving the folk music and folk instruments of his country.

After preliminary introductions and comments we were given data and information about the school as follows. Of the 45 schools in St. Petersburg like this one, two features make this one special. First, this school features folk instruments such as balalaika, accordion, piano, domra, balan, and gusli. Second, the school focuses on developing the creative abilities of each child. The school has 400 students, ages 4 to 16 or 18, 23% of whom, go on to a career in music. Many graduates return to teach here.

The delegates and host teachers were engaged in a lively and animated interactive discussion on various methods of teaching in both countries. Also discussed were funding, teacher-pupil ratios, repertoire, curriculum, and other teaching details.

We were given a tour of the school. Then we were favored at 5 p.m. with a concert featuring 15 student numbers. Some composed their own pieces. The program featured the youngest to oldest students. Everyone in the delegation agreed that this visit was wonderful, if not the favorite.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m., the delegation returned to Hotel Dostoevsky for a free evening.