Instrumental Music Project
This project began with Larry Dittmar's ambitious endeavor to initiate a Band and Orchestra program in 2007 for the Kithoka community and schools.
BLISS is one of few secondary schools in the nation to have a band. This is a remarkable accomplishment for a Day School focused on educating the rural poor in Kenya.
This significant program was honored fall of 2010 at the Nairobi TEDx event. The BLISS band received a standing ovation from the crowd at Leaky Auditorium.
The BLISS band programs are now directed by a Kenyan Music Teacher with salary support from KUEF.
One of the unexpected results of this very successful programs is, upon graduation, band students are able to readily find jobs with military and police bands.
Currently the BLISS band often plays for community events.
Music teachers from the U.S. volunteer at BLISS to assist with the development of the band program. Currently they have a Kenyan band director, Timothy.
KUEF has supported the BLISS band to attend National Competitions.
Over 100 band instruments have been donated, repaired and taken to Kithoka. In addition music, music stands and band uniforms have been donated.
Congratulations to the BLISS Band for leading the National Procession during the June 1, 2018 Kenyan Independence Day Celebration in Meru County! The Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, other foreign Presidents, Ambassadors, and other dignitaries were present for the celebration. This was a great recognition for the BLISS Band, its very accomplished band director, Timothy, and all the student band members.
"Music is about communication,
creativity and cooperation.
By studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives and experience the world from a new perspective. "
President Bill Clinton
To Donate to the Music Program
It's easy to contribute to this unique instrumental music program at BLISS.
Asante Sana.
You can give through PayPal, by clicking on Donate below (no account needed) or by check.
Checks made payable to:
KUEF Inc. (memo line: Music Program) may be mailed to:
Kenyan Urithi Education Fund, Inc.
P. O. Box 2182
Ann Arbor, MI 48106-2182