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CLASSICAL
17-year-old Ibanda Ruhumbika demonstrates the tuba for a school audience on the Hawaiian Islands.
Courtesy of From the Top
Each year, 10,000 students participate in classroom programs led by From the Top performers. These programs engage Form the Top performers in sharing their gifts and connecting with new audiences. In turn, students experience the joy of music making and meet real-life role models that showcase the rewards of hard-work, focus, and discipline.
During a recent radio taping on the Hawaiian Islands, From the Top conducted ten school visits in seven schools, on three islands, reaching nearly 1,000 students in grades K-12. Ibanda Ruhumbika, a 17-year-old tubist from Athens, GA, led seven of these classroom visits. Before even boarding a plane to the islands, Ibanda worked closely with From the Top's education staff to prepare for his moment at the head of the class. Together, Ibanda and From the Top's Education Manager planned his interactive demonstration, drawing on Ibanda's personal stories to capture the attention of students.
On the islands, Ibanda spoke about how he often adapts pieces meant for violin and piano for the tuba. He told students about how he started jogging to build his wind capacity. All of these stories helped students relate with Ibanda and understand what it means to play an instrument. It was the first time that many of them had seen the workings of a tuba demonstrated in such an intimate environment. The experience was a powerful one for Ibanda, as well. "Knowing that I could have made even one kid more interested in music was really rewarding for me," he said.
Watch Ibanda's Hawaiian Islands outreach
Listen to Ibanda on From the Top
Learn more about From the Top
For more than a decade, From the Top has celebrated the energy of America's kids and the power of classical music through NPR radio and PBS television broadcasts, a national tour of live events, and leadership and community programs for young musicians.
© Copyright 2012 From The Top. All rights reserved.
© Copyright 2012 From The Top. All rights reserved.
