Cartwheel’s innovative Music and Art Education Program continued on its second year with the Music and Art Exchange this time taking place among the Umajamnon youth of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon from June 7-12.

Cultures in Harmony (CinH) a U.S.-based classical ensemble committed to promoting cultural diplomacy through music, returned as Cartwheel’s partner in this creative exchange of music, art, and community life. The four members of CinH, namely, Danielle Kuhlman, Peter Evans, Clio Tilton, and Reenat Pinchas, spent 7 days with 32 Umajamnon scholars of the Fr. Leoni Mission Foundation headed by Fr. Mat Sanchez, S.J., for a workshop that brought out each participant’s expression of his realities and histories through music, dance, and play.

The workshop then produced 4 original compositions co-written by the Umajamnons and CinH. This, along with other musical pieces and traditional songs and dances, was brought to a larger audience in Cagayan de Oro city in a culminating concert on June 13. Students and members of the academe and religious alike, who packed the Little Theatre of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, were in awe as they watched the Umajamnons tell their story along with CinH through the powerful medium of music and art.

In 2009, the Music and Art Exchange will embark on its third year with another indigenous community. This 3-year exchange and partnership with CinH will culminate with a major concert in Manila June 2009.