Jazz meets Anatolia - Magic and fusion of sounds at meeting of Orient and Occident (an international student exchange project in the field of music and arts for the personal and cultural development of young people)

Project summary

This project-oriented student exchange program (posep) aims to point out the socio- cultural and political value of a common European cultural heritage. Music is universal and has got the power to attract many people due to its universal appeal. Inspired by the spirit of jazz music the whole atmosphere and the planned crossovers between Turkish folk and jazz music are intended to broaden the participants’ personal horizons during project work itself and also during the planned cultural festivals which will result from the collaboration. Over a preparation period of one year the students practice once a week on the practical part of the project. Besides they will also have to attend a weekly seminar where specifically socio-cultural aspects of the target country will be discussed. During the exchange the participants will stay in host families. This ensures an authentic insight into the target culture and apart from that the participants can form lasting friendships which exceed the posep. The cultural festivals are role models for the German-Turkish relationship and will be supported by the embassies of both sides. Venues for this extraordinary event will be the Turkish consulate in Essen and the German consulate in Istanbul which the mayors, local politicians and representatives of both countries will be invited to. The show features jazz music performances by the German participants, Turkish folk and classical pieces presented by the AKA School Tekirdag and traditional folklore choreographies by the AKA School Istannbul-Bahcelievler. The highlights of the events which will take place in both countries are the crossovers where jazz meets Anatolian melodies which again reflects the potential of a common cultural heritage and its enriching potential for our society. On the background of recent global political and nationalistic developments the recognition of these common bonds is more important than ever. The project covers a period of 12 months during which all three participating schools prepare for the exchanges by means of a jointly defined project schedule. On the one hand this procedure ensures transparency for all participants and on the other hand it serves as a binding orientation framework for all schools. Each school has a so-called exchange committee which manages the project locally. These groups consist of a coordinator, a person who is responsible for the practical implementation, and another additional supporter who in most cases is one the principals. Every two weeks these committees meet to discuss current developments at their schools which they report to Mr. Salman, the main coordinator of this project. This person has the overall responsibility for the whole project. The communication between schools is maintained via the eTwinning platform and additionally through the creation of a WhatsApp group. The students also learn how to use the eTwinning platform during the preparation phase and establish contact with their partners through small inputs and push tasks. During their stay in the target country students are prepared for their stage performances through music and other workshops run by collaborating artist. The embassies establish contact to the local artists. Excursions and other activities are also based on the musical/artistic content. The free time program thus provides a gallery visit, the chance to try out specific music instruments of the partners country, a visit of a music event and a small sightseeing program. Although Iserlohn comprehensive and AKA School Istanbul Bahcelievler are already experienced in running student exchanges between both schools AKA School Tekirdag is new in this area. It will receive support during the planning stages and organization of further aspects of the exchange from the other partners. After the successful completion of the exchange project an extensive evaluation between all participants and families takes place. The findings of this evaluation will be used to optimize future exchanges. The project implementation among these three institutions will give the schools a sense of confidence in the realization of further international projects. The project results will be summarized in the form of a movie and published on the EPRP and School Educational Gateway platform. This is intended to aid in finding partners for future projects in other countries as well. After a successful completion the project will be included in the internal school curriculum. The film then serves as a practical guide. Extensive public relations work is aimed at motivating other schools for similar projects.