Ever since my mom pointed it out in a norteña song long ago I’ve been smitten with the accordion. I happened to mention this to Sandra Treviño earlier this year, when I first sat down with her to explore the way in which we could feature her on the Proyecto Latina platform . Her eyes lit up and she expressed an affinity for the instrument as well. For now I’m going to live vicariously through her since she’s about to embark on learning how to play it–this was one of the factoids that emerged when I hung out with her earlier this week. She honored the request for an interview and I’m so glad I asked because this was one of the most interesting features I have ever done. There were so many great things uncovered during the short while we were together.
Sandra is our first guest curator for our monthly reading series. I can’t wait to see what has in store for us tomorrow. Hope to see you there.
I’m going to get a head start on the chisme this week and let you know that:
This week Ragdale announced the recipients of its 3Arts Fellowships for 2010, and one is Proyecto Latina’s very own Coya Paz! Two fellowships were granted in each of the areas of music, theater, and visual arts to Chicago artists, Fellowships at Ragdale include two weeks of residency, uninterrupted time and space, and a $700 stipend. No excuses now for not bringing new material to the open mic!
I’m still super bummed that the Little Village/Lawndale High School in my neighborhood lost four of its administrators as a result of budget cuts. Before leaving her post as vice principal, Cynthia Nambo–also one of many key players in the creation of the community designed school–finally got to attend graduating ceremonies. She describes hugging a graduate from the school, a dream come true. As for life after her post at the high school, Cynthia says:
“Turned this budget cut into triumph! Now as Instructional Coach in Area 21, I am ready to create authentic relationships with teachers in North Lawndale, Hyde Park, and the North Side of Chicago. I will be giving teachers the focused support they need to grow exponentially and with vigor. In addition, I was accepted to the School Leadership Program at the University of Chicago. This model is innovative and sustainable. It’s focus is to improve neighborhood schools through training highly effective interdisciplinary administrative teams. Whew that was a mouthful! Most leadership programs train individuals not teams. Both of these endeavors will build my capacity to serve our teachers, our students, our families, and our communities to reach new levels of excellence! Educacion es mi pasion.”
In the news
Have a wonderful week! See you at Proyecto Latina on Monday!