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Music Bus Workshops in the villages of the Srebrenica region
In September 2008 workshops took place in several villages in the region of Srebrenica. The villages included were: Ljeskovik, Osmače, Osat, Pale, Potočari and Sućeska. Activities in the villages started on September 3rd and took place on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with a total of 8 workshops for the month. In total 81 children ( Osmače 10, Osat 19, Ljeskovik 11, Pale 10, Potočari 15, Sućeska 16 children) participated.
The first workshop was in Osat and was a special two hour session. Children had the opportunity to learn to play many new instruments. All the workshops aimed to develop the children’s overall musical and intellectual skills and improve their unity and team spirit.
The games used in workshops were: Games for theoretical presentation of instruments, Sound circle, Crazy chairs, Let’s create an orchestra, and Let’s play together.
In October, the workshops followed a different schedule and structure. Children from six villages of the Srebrenica region participated: Sase (15 children), Kragivoda (15 children), Žutica (23 children), Potočari (15 children), Sućeska (16 children). Presentations were held on a weekly basis, in each village once a week, for an hour and a half of duration. 84 children were included in 20 workshops total.
Workshop Structure:
15 minutes of theoretical introduction to instruments
- The trainer introduced the children to the basics of each instrument, which included a brief history, ethnic background, and their importance and role. The children could ask questions and share prior and new knowledge.
15 minutes of social games with the instruments
- Games are important for team building and create a comfortable environment where the children can relax and have fun. Everyone is given a chance to participate and the bonds are strengthened between the children and trainers.
45 minutes of composition and rhythm orchestra
- All the participants work together to create a rhythm with each child contributing “a piece of the puzzle.” The trainer serves as a conductor for their rhythm orchestra.
15 minutes of presentation
- Children present their new knowledge and what they have created. This offers them a chance to perform, which is exciting and a great self-esteem boost!
Training for Volunteers in Srebrenica
A training for volunteers was held in Srebrenica during the period 20-28.07.08. The training was conducted by Dutch musician Otto De Jong and Music Bus project coordinator, Amir Bašić. 12 youth volunteers and 3 staff members participated in the training.
The training was conducted in five stages:
1. Theoretical presentation of games as a pedagogical tool for use in workshops with children of school age
2. Creation and practical use of different types of games.
3. Workshops with children (giving volunteers experience as workshop leaders)
4. Evaluation of volunteers as workshop leaders
5. Evaluation of the training
Through the training, the young volunteers had an opportunity to experience music, dance and theatre games as a basic pedagogical tool. They also developed as educators, leaders and team members because every game was founded on friendship, mutual respect and tolerance. The volunteers who participated in this training will lead future activities and will play important roles in the implementation of the Music Bus project.
Theater Performance “Bridge of Love“ for Cultural Festival “Days of Srebrenica“ 2008 & Preparatory Workshops
The “Bridge of Love“ was performed on 01.06.08 and included 40 children (29 Serb and 11 Bosniak) ages 9-15. To prepare there were 48 workshops (4 dance workshops, 4 music workshops and 4 acting workshops each month), 5 general rehearsals and 1 public performance over a period of three months. The children each chose the workshop section they would like to be involved in: dance, music, acting or creative (scenery, costumes, props). The main theme of all the workshops was the development of socio-emotional skills, physical coordination and music and intellectual skills. Self confidence and mutual trust among the children were also an important focus. New children were gradually introduced to one another with ethnic and social (extroversion, introversion) differences carefully monitored.
Through dance, acting, singing and playing children could express themselves in a creative manner. Arts and crafts activities were also incorporated in the creative section. The children in the drama section actively participated in the creation of the story-line for the play. Using games as a tool, the children worked through situations where they had to express their opinions and ideas.
The sharing of roles and responsibilities was encouraged to teach self-discipline and team work while the performance itself offered a chance for participants to gain a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Children and families from rural areas around Srebrenica were brought to see the performance, and afterwards everyone gathered and socialized at a reception which gave families the chance to meet one another.
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