"Musical Mission to Mali, West Africa"- Dave Clark (May 15/04)          

Today the children of my daughter's grade 1/2 class at Ossington Old Orchard Public School (Toronto) invited me into their classroom to talk about an upcoming trip to Mali, West Africa which I am taking with Tannis Slimmon, Dale Morningstar, Lewis Melville and Bay Waymen. The gentle strains of the kora music rang out through the class as wide eyed students listened on to the proposed Mali itinerary which I carefully explained to them. We talked of languages spoken, clothing worn in respect to cultural norms and weather, airline ticket prices, locations to be visited, events to be attended, if my family was going to travel with me, the Developing Countries Farm Radio Network, the importance of radio in everyday life in Mali, intentions to perform, record, study and instruct music whilst there and the nature of the sub-Saharan landscape.

At the end of the talk, the class teacher Mr. Ramsay presented me with a cheque as a donation from their class to be used to help ship instruments to children and adults in Mali. This was a very kind gesture and will be greatly appreciated. It was directly after this classroom get together that I could feel the reality of this musical mission to Mali, West Africa coming to fruition.
Peace


Another entry from Dave (May 15/04):

I had placed a note in the monthly school newsletter at my daughter's school. Soon
thereafter, parents at the school responded. I've been stopped in our local park by a friend wishing to give money to help the musical mission to Mali in any way possible. Yesterday, I heard a brazillian pandero changling outside my door and found that gorgeous item hanging in a bag on my door ready to be donated. Friends have dropped off boxes of guitar strings, people have called and offered hand made drums, a full drumset and more gear than we can actually take. Long and McQuade, Songbird and Regal Tip (Calato) Drumsticks have all ponied up to give some care packages of musical goodies to friends in Mali. People around here care about others. The enthusiasm and support that I have received about this journey to Mali has been overwhelming.

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