Youth Workshops January 24, 25, 31, 2009
Concert February 1, 2009
Shaheen with Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble
I’m a relative newcomer to Arab music. Growing up, I studied Western Classical music, but before I started working at Al-Bustan in January, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you the difference between a maqam and a takht.
And I certainly wouldn’t have known who Simon Shaheen is. Over the past few weekends, I was lucky enough to observe this acclaimed performer and composer in the surprisingly intimate role of teacher.
When I was more serious about music, I was directed by a number of conductors in both casual and intense workshop settings. Simon Shaheen, a consummate teacher and wonderful musician, bowled me over with his ability to lead a wide range of groups. Imparting his own love of Arab music to each musician in the room, he opened students’ minds to new forms, rhythms, and sounds.
Whether teaching Arabic pronunciation to the Pennsylvania Girl Choir or encouraging soloists from the Kimmel Center’s Jazz Ensemble to reach new heights on their instruments, his infectious desire to teach was apparent in every workshop. I witnessed him teach students to hear and play tones that they had never played before; he opened their ears and minds to the beauty of sounds found outside the Western canon.
No matter the instrument, no matter the skill of the group, Mr. Shaheen imparted an appreciation for a new and different style of music. In doing so, he used the arts to bridge the gap between two musical cultures, and it’s that sense that connection between disparate worlds that excites me most about the programming and cultural offerings provided by Al-Bustan.
-Chloe Tucker, Program Assistant
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