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St. Olaf to 'strike up the band' on tour of Mexico in January

By Elizabeth Child
December 31, 2003

The St. Olaf Band will take more than goodwill and great music when it travels to Mexico during January interim for a study-tour. It will also take 40 band instruments to donate to the 3,000-person village of San Miguel Tzinacapan so its young people can have a band for the first time. Recent St. Olaf graduates Reid Wixson, Rachel Widen and Aubrey Vikturek will also offer four months of musical instruction to the brand new band members in San Miguel.

The idea for the donation was suggested by David Brye, 1960 graduate of St. Olaf who lives in the Mexican state of Puebla where San Miguel is located. "Despite the poor economic opportunities, the village is rich in traditional culture," Brye says. "There are numerous musical groups, mainly playing the guitar and violin, and at least 10 dance groups."

Brye's interest in San Miguel was kindled when he traveled to nearby Cuetzalan with a group of anthropology students for its festival of San Francisco of Asis on Oct. 4, 1985. He developed a friendship with a man from the village. Brye is now godfather to the man's son and lends support to families and community projects in the area. He also seeks to further understanding between the people in the United States and Mexico.

"We hope that the St. Olaf Band's performance and gift will be the beginning of a long-term relationship, broadening global awareness for our students and the people of San Miguel," says Richard Erickson, associate manager of Music Organizations at St. Olaf College.

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Contact Elizabeth Child at 507-645-0119 or ec@elizabethchild.com.