Canterbury High School

ARTS IN CUBA:  April 20-26, 2020

CULTURAL EXCHANGE and PERFORMANCE PROGRAM IN CUBA

This program is specifically designed for music students to experience a comprehensive overview of Cuban culture and history from Columbus to Castro, with a focus on the study of the Afro-Cuban contribution to Music, Dance, and Visual Art in Cuba.  Beginning in Havana, founded in 1519, participants will meet and perform with Cuban students and teachers at local arts schools.  Additional performances will take place at public venues arranged by the Cuban Ministry of Culture.  

ITINERARY

DAY 1:        Flight to Cuba.  On arrival in Cuba we will be met by our hosts at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Havana (approximately 140 kms) for check-in.  Dinner at the hotel.  Optional rehearsal time available at the hotel.  

DAY 2:        

9:00 am - After breakfast, take a tour of the canal district of Matanzas which is lined with many studios of famous international sculptures and artists.  Attend a lecture presentation on the history of Cuban Art and then partake in a hands-on Art workshop.

12:00 pm - Lunch ($7-$8) at a local restaurant.  This afternoon we will take a cultural and historical tour by bus, followed by a walking tour to Old Town Havana, Spain's gateway to the conquest of Latin America.  Havana, founded in 1519 became the capital of Cuba in 1553 and in 1982 UNESCO declared Old Havana a World Heritage Site, where 144 buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries are preserved.  Our guide will lead a walking tour of the Old City.  We then travel by air-conditioned coach to the harbour entrance to visit the Parque Historico del Morro (entrance to park included) and see fortifications built in the 17th century to guard the city from attack by pirates.

6:00 pm - Dinner at the hotel.  

8:00 pm - 1.5 hour performance for international and Cuban guests at the hotel.

DAY 3:        

9:00 am - After breakfast we will attend an interactive Percussion and Latin Rhythms workshop.

11:00 am -  A cappella vocal jazz ensemble performance by award winning ensemble Novel Voz will follow.  

12:00 pm - Lunch ($7-$8) at a local restaurant together with members of Novel Voz.  

1:00 pm - This afternoon all students will attend an Arts High School.  

2-4 pm - Joint performance with Arts High School We will learn about the school and Canadian and Cuban students will perform for each other.  

6:00 pm - Dinner at the hotel.  

8:00 pm - This evening dance to popular Cuban music at the hotel and receive Salsa dance instruction.  

DAY 4:        

9:00 am - Attend a presentation and workshop by an Afro-Cuban musical/dance Santeria group.  Members of the group will endeavour to share Afro-Cuban song and dance with the students.  

12:00 pm - Lunch ($7-$8) at a local restaurant.  

2:00 pm - Students will participate in an illustrated lecture by renowned ethnomusicologist, researcher, and university professor, Dr. Olavo Allen, about the roots of Cuban music.

6:00 pm Dinner at the hotel.  

8:00 pm - Perform at The Jazz Cafe as the opening act. Your jazz band and choir will get to perform on the same stage that Duke Elllington performed on. Afterwards we will watch a performance by some of the top Cuban musicians.

DAY 5:        

9:00 am - This morning we will visit the Provincial Junior Arts High School.  We will attend a performance presented by music and dance students at the school.  A performance by the Canadian students will follow.  

12:00 pm - Lunch ($7-$8) at a local restaurant.  

1:00 pm - This afternoon we will visit shopping areas in the city including the artisans market and a collection of boutiques housed in a restored 18th century colonial palace.  

5:00 pm - Dinner at the hotel.  

8:00 pm - Attend evening performance by Cuban musicians at the hotel

DAY 6:        

9:00 am - Latin Rhythms workshop with the Havana City Concert Band

12:00 - Lunch

1:00 - Perform for a community outreach project that offers assistance to low income families. Community members will then provide art and music workshop to the students. Finally you will enjoy a performance by a children/youth choir. If you wish, our group can present a humanitarian donation to the community kids (goods, not money).

6:00 pm - Dinner at the hotel.  

8:00 pm - Attend evening performance of a National Concert Band.

DAY 7:        Cuba to Canada.   We now leave the hotel and return to the airport.  Fly back to Ottawa via Toronto.  

Program Includes:  Round trip airfare from selected departure city to Cuba, 7 nights hotel accommodation based on double occupancy in air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom, breakfast and dinner daily, coordination and entrance/participation fees for visits - performances - workshops - tours, translator/guide services, local facilitators, ground transportation via modern air-conditioned bus as per itinerary, Cuban visa, and the Cuban airport tax.

Not Included:  Lunches, optional activities, personal expenses, and tips.

Please Note:  There will be no swimming during this trip. Also note that hotels, restaurants and recreational facilities are quite expensive by local standards.  You may choose to invite Cuban students and teachers to participate in social activities with your group.  This is always warmly received, however, you as hosts, are expected to assume the cost of the invitation as it is beyond the means of most Cubans.  We recommend you check with your guide for suggestions before extending any invitations.