Kidznotes in Venezuela!

Many of you know that I am on the Board of Directors of Kidznotes, a new El Systema Program in Durham, NC. Our Executive Director is Katie, Wyatt and she is one of the Abreau Fellows that are currently working in Venezuela. Catch up with Katie in Venezuela! Don't forget to vote in the Pepsi Challenge! Spread the word! Visit the KidZNotes web site today: http://www.kidznotes.org/.


The Abreu Fellows in Caracas with Gustavo Dudamel, (center, back row), the 28-year-old Music Director of the LA Phil, an El Sistema graduate. KidZNotes' Katie Wyatt is at the far left, second row. Dr. Mark Churchill of the New England Conservatory and co-director of the Abreu Fellows Program is at the far right, second row. To learn more about the Fellows' current two-month stay in Venezuela, see Katie's blog on the KidZNotes' website (www.kidznotes.org).

Creativity, Inc

This morning, I was pleased to speak at the Institute for Emerging Issues (NC State University), Creativity, Inc. Forum at the Raleigh Convention Center. I was there are an advocate for the new Kidznotes Program in Durham. I am proud to serve on their Board of Directors. KidZNotes is a not-for-profit organization that promotes classical, orchestral music training for children in our poorest neighborhoods and is based on the El Sistema program in Venezuela. Kidznotes will have a pilot program in East Durham next school year. My remarks were part of their 20/20 forum on new creative ideas in the Triangle.

Twenty-five years ago, the Emerging Issues Forum began by looking at the topic of innovation. This year, the Forum comes full circle by attempting to enhance creative thinking and embrace new ideas -- the very creativity that is needed for true innovation. The event was potentially the most exciting work of IEI’s seven year “think and do” history, and, as the capstone event, the Forum pushes you to think in new and interesting ways.

The point is not just to talk about Creativity. It is to find ways to make creativity the foundation for how we live, work and play in North Carolina.

It was great to be part of this wonderful event and I look forward to participating in years to come.

Peace.
Scott