Thursday, July 26, 2012

Step 1 Practice at Home

Layout of the Score
As the daughter of a military officer, the travel bug bit when I was just a youngster; so when Derby Academy announced the travel grant program I knew I had to apply. While attending a music educator’s workshop a few years ago, I heard about UMass Amherst Study Abroad Program in Ghana. Three weeks of drum and dance cultural field study in West Africa; it sounded like a perfect fit!
         Mark and I put together our applications for the travel grant, which were enthusiastically accepted… Did I mention, I adore working at Derby Academy! After more applications and phone interviews, we were enrolled in the Study Abroad Program and ready to prepare for our adventure to Africa.

Supporting Exercises
Once Mark and I knew we were going to Ghana, I couldn’t wait to share the news! Finally, after living on three continents and in seven states around the US, I am finally going to Africa. Naturally, my colleagues, students, friends and family have shared in my excitement, yet their enthusiasm is always followed by countless questions. What will the weather be like? What kind of food will you eat? How long does it take to fly there? What kind of music will you study? Will you be staying in a hut? So many questions, answers to which I had to figure out myself.
Luckily, Jeremy Cohen, the professor who heads the Ghana trips, has been doing it for years and put together a wonderful orientation to answer these questions… and no we will not be staying in mud huts. In addition to the orientation, I have assigned readings that acquaint me with the music and culture in which we are about to be immersed. I am almost through the first book, African Rhythm and African Sensibility, a book that has opened my eyes to the fact that I am about to be totally ‘schooled’ in a musical system that is very different than the western music I’ve studied most of my life (Beethoven on a Sogo anyone). I wonder how I, a classically trained bassoonist, am going to fair in this brave new world. 
My summer reading has been enlightening, but nothing beats experience.

Rehearsal Prep
One of the most important steps of preparation is visiting the travel nurse. Travel to Ghana requires many immunizations; in fact, to enter the country you must carry proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. Needless to say, I walked out of the clinic feeling a bit like a pincushion. In addition, Ghana has one of the highest prevalence of Malaria in the world, so I picked up a prescription for malaria prophylaxis. Of course, the best way to avoid malaria is to avoid being bitten. That’s where permethrin, DEET, and mosquito nets come in handy. Permethrin is a potent insecticide that you spray on clothes to kill mosquitos on contact. We coated my long shoes, long pants, and jacket so I should be set. 
Me in my "Don't even think about biting me mosquito!" outfit:)
Gotta Have the Right Stuff
        Perhaps my favorite part of preparation can be summarized in one word… SHOPPING! My husband and I enjoy hiking and camping and are proud members of REI. Given that we will be partaking in at least 4 hours of drum and dance classes everyday, Jeremy strongly suggested we stock up on quick-dry workout gear. Being away from modern conveniences, namely a washing machine, also necessitated a few other purchases, like an antimicrobial towel and camping soap. I left the store feeling like a tough MacGyver girl! With all my gear packed, meds covered, and travel documentation in order, I’m ready for the 11-hour flight tomorrow. Thanks for reading.

Cheers,

Laura



3 comments:

  1. Have a great trip and BE VERY CAREFUL!!

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  2. Can't wait to follow along with your awesome adventure! Praying for safe travels and an awesome experience!

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  3. We spent about a month in Ghana, loved it! Where will you be located? Accra? We'll enjoy reading your posts!

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