Khmer Music Program Begins, Combines Music and Heritage

Thanks to the efforts of Peter Mayer and April Johnson, eight Aziza's Place students began a traditional Khmer music class in August. The program is taught by Mr. Sinat Nhok who works with Cambodian Living Arts, an organization working to revive traditional Cambodian art forms. Mr. Sinat is highly trained in classical Khmer wedding music, an ancient Khmer music style. Few Cambodians are trained in this style of music, offering a unique opportunity for AP students to learn an important part of their heritage along with experiencing the joy of playing an instrument.

Peter and April are dear friends of Nader Ebrahimi, Aziza's Place Co-Founder who passed away in March 2009. While volunteering at AP, they were working with Nader to fulfill their collective idea of giving the children access to music education. Peter and April have been eager to make this dream a reality in his honor. They reached out to their network across the United States and were able to raise the funds necessary for the music program for one full year. Their incredible efforts have brought the power and influence of music into our visual arts curriculum.