The Birth of the Accra Youth Sinfonietta

“Leave no one behind” resonated within me last month as I moved my conducting stick up and down in front of a group of young musicians in Ghana. My music score was covered in dust, my hands sweaty, and my body tired from the heat, but I was proud listening to the sounds of Vivaldi, Beethoven, and Strauss this youth orchestra was creating. They had been trying hard to improve every day, to work closely together, and to present a performance of which they could be proud. Living in a home two hours away from Accra that provides care for vulnerable children that cannot stay with their families, in many cases victims of abuse and other very grave circumstances, these children had been told too many times what they cannot do, what they will not achieve, what they are not worth. This time, together with three more music teachers all from three different continents (Australia, UK and Mexico) we were there to show these children what they CAN do.

Our work in Ghana had a deeper impact, aside from presenting a high-level musical performance. This project was an invitation for young people of very different backgrounds to come together and learn from each other. Most important, this was an invitation for young people to feel empowered and to develop their leadership and collaboration skills in the process. For the musicians from the home, most of which come from trauma,  this was a much needed opportunity to connect with others, to feel safe and the sense of hope for tomorrow. We saw how the trust within the group evolved as the days unfolded, how personalities softened, how interaction improved. We saw how the more advanced started helping the beginners, and how the care for the whole group replaced the at times constant demand for individual attention.

Perhaps out of proportion but while I was working with these young musicians, I couldn’t help remember how many times I was told by music teachers what I will never do. In this orchestra, everyone was welcome, and if they tried hard enough, they could do anything: complete beginners shyly joined, and in a matter of days were able to play a symphonic repertoire. Cliché? No. Anything is possible.