The Sponsored Programs Advisory Group (SPAG) is inviting you to our second volunteer engagement activity. We are reprising a popular YES and FLEX virtual activity that was organized by AFS volunteers in our New Mexico and Beyond Area Team. Please join us on Saturday, April 3 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time as we learn more about AFS enhancement activities in the Southwest.
A Look at Native American Instruments: The Native Flute
Learn about the importance of the Native American flute to indigenous cultures of the American Southwest. Flute player Bonnie Schmader will share her instrument collection and play for attendees.
Please register in advance for this activity:
https://afsusa.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkcu2rrTIjHdaAracOZQ6k3P2Yf3da-tgq
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
About the Speaker:
Bonnie Schmader, BA, CCM is a flutist, sound healer, and Certified Clinical Musician. She has led music healing sessions for the University of New Mexico Hospital’s Arts in Medicine Program, New Heart Wellness Center, Alliance Hospice, Ambercare Hospice and Lovelace Womens Hospital. She has been an Artist in Residence at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Colorado and trained as a group music facilitator through the Netherlands-based Musicians Without Borders program. Most recently, she served as a teaching assistant to Christine Stevens for two Native American flute courses on the Shift Network with over 900 students enrolled from 37 countries. From jazz to classical to world music, Bonnie has performed as a soloist and ensemble player with orchestras, jazz bands, chamber music groups and world music ensembles both in the U.S. and abroad. She currently offers online classes in Native American flute focused on meditation, mindfulness and creative self-expression. You can learn more about Bonnie by visiting her website: https://bonnieschmader.com/earth-tones-healing-through-the-elements-of-music-nature
Additionally, you may wish to view this video of Native flute player and maker Tony Duncan in preparation: https://youtu.be/Aw4Q-wX1Dco
For more details about this activity, please contact: April Maguigad at april.maguigad@afsusa.org
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The SPAG is national volunteer advisory group within AFS providing input and guidance to the Sponsored Programs Department.
This academic year, the Sponsored Programs students (YES and FLEX) funded by the U.S. Department of State are continuing with the program virtually from their home countries, with AFS-USA host family matches, and required enhancement activities that students would typically attend in person with their area team cluster. AFS Sponsored Programs staff and AFS-USA volunteers have guided the virtually hosted students through educational online activities focusing on a variety of ECA outlined topics such as government, culture, native American traditions and more.