August 30 – September 14, 2024 saw the IHS World Orchestra in Cuba. The Orchestra was honored to be joined by 18 string players from Havana, adding to the already rich sound of brass with the harmonic sound of violins, violas, cellos, and string bass. Through donations from the largest music wholesaler in Europe, the IHS World Orchestra was able to provide a new set of professional strings for each musician. In addition, this wholesaler provided $1000.00 USD in various other musical accessories for the Mayda Isabel Jorge Music School. The Orchestra played concerts at schools, care homes, concert halls, and churches. The poverty in this country deeply impacted the Orchestra, the limited resources available to the locals, made shopping for simple groceries for the visitors challenging. Staples like milk is only available in powder form, bread is available only to foreigners when the locals have had a chance to buy it first. Children surround tourists by begging for candy or a dollar. Walking around the city in the humid 37°C (98°F) was an adventure trying to avoid potholes, puddles with undefinded liquids, very pungent trash, and buildings practically falling apart around its residents. The Cuban people are a wonderful example of cheerfulness inspite of circumstances. They are an incredibly helpful and polite people group. The Western world could learn a lot from their gratitude and humility. Their sense of rhythm is beautiful to watch, whether in song or dance. The Orchestra felt privileged to serve them.

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