A busy GAIA summer!

(Pour voir cette page en Français, cliquez ici) Following a very successful program in 2024, GAIA is renewing our partnership with Jazz'Muse, and our sponsorship of two scholarships during their upcoming 2025 workshops!

Beginning with a phenomenal fundraiser at Sofia including great food and the GAIA quartet, we worked with 6 high schools in 5 days, teaching the students to play by ear, as well as running master classes in jazz and organizing performances with the students for the student body. Many great connections were made with students and teachers. Thanks to everyone involved for your support in making this program a huge success! In addition, we received some incredible feedback from the Ministry of Public Education and others on the week: Good morning, dear GAIA Foundation Friends: I know from @Sergio Morales Angulo that the GAIA tour in Guanacaste last week, has been a great success. I am so pleased and happy to read that. Thank you, Sergio, for sharing your feelings and emotions about it. It is great to confirm that collaboration is probably the best way to accomplish our goals… As an evaluator, it is very thrilling for me to share some of Sergio´s expressions, manifested by him in his message -you can read the original one in Spanish, below-. I want to highlight some of Sergio´s phrases, as a qualitative beautiful result of GAIA´s efforts and investment of talent, time and resources, last week in Costa Rica: “...with great emotion and enthusiasm” “…students and primary and secondary school teachers” “...totally free” “...It was a space for musical and personal growth” “...a space where healthy coexistence was promoted, as well as the development and implementation of the various competencies that are enhanced by the educational processes of the Ministry of Public Education” “… it allowed us to visualize young people inspired to continue their musical artistic growth” “...Both students and teachers were truly inspired and moved to continue developing their potential” “from the Liberia Regional Musical Education Advisory: to each one of you, my most sincere gratitude” Phrases that teachers and students expressed during the week: 1. "This is another level." 2. "We must study more." 3. "We would like to go deeper into improvisation" 4. "We want more of this, to repeat it." Thank you again, may you be blessed abundantly.

For the second year running, GAIA was proud to partner with Child's Play and MTV to host a very special VIP area at the M3 Rockfest in Columbia, Maryland!

We're getting ready to launch our May 2024 Masterclass Tour - and it all starts with an amazing concert at Sofia Mediterraneo on May 19th! Come and show your support, and enjoy an amazing evening of music and food with GAIA. For more information and to make reservations, please visit Sofia Mediterraneo here .

GAIA Founder Charlotte Yates and The Avalon Village Founder Mama Shu on CBS Detroit!

(Pour voir cette page en Français, cliquez ici) GAIA is thrilled to announce our partnership with Jazz'Muse, and our sponsorship of two scholarships during their upcoming 2024 workshops!

GAIA founders bring the holiday spirit to Rio Seco!

GAIA, Settlement Music, and Haverford High School

In the world of music, festivals serve as vibrant gatherings that bring together talent, passion, and the joy of shared melodies. The Steve Weiss Festival Mallet Festival, a week-long celebration, recently resonated with the support of GAIA, marking a harmonious collaboration that echoed through three unforgettable concerts and a transformative five-day workshop. In this blog post, we delve into the immersive experience of this musical extravaganza, featuring internationally acclaimed teachers and performers who have left their mark on stages across the globe. The Steve Weiss Festival Mallet Festival received a generous donation from GAIA, highlighting the organization's commitment to fostering musical excellence and supporting the arts. This contribution played a pivotal role in ensuring the festival's success, enabling a rich array of performances and educational opportunities. One of the festival's standout features was its stellar lineup of internationally known teachers and performers. The roster included luminaries such as Christos Rafalides, Jason Marsalis, Tony Miceli, Behn Gillece, Oliver Maymen, Justin Vibes, Lynn Vartan, the University of Delaware Percussion Department, Ivan Trevino, and the Temple University Percussion Ensemble. Each artist brought a unique perspective and a wealth of experience, creating an atmosphere of creativity and inspiration. At the heart of the festival was a five-day workshop that provided a deep dive into the world of mallet percussion. Attendees had the privilege of participating in workshops and attending concerts led by the distinguished lineup of artists. The workshops covered a diverse range of topics, from technique and musicality to the nuances of performance and composition. This immersive learning experience left a lasting impact on participants, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for percussion. The festival's concerts were held at iconic venues across Philadelphia, adding a touch of cultural richness to the musical experience. Settlement Music School in Queen Village, Chris' Jazz Cafe, and the Barnes Foundation served as the stages for these extraordinary performances. Audiences were treated to a mesmerizing blend of musical genres, showcasing the versatility of mallet percussion and the artistry of the featured performers. The performances at the Steve Weiss Festival Mallet Festival were nothing short of extraordinary. From the intricate vibes of Christos Rafalides to the dynamic compositions of Ivan Trevino, each artist left an indelible mark on the festival. The University of Delaware Percussion Department and Temple University Percussion Ensemble showcased the depth of talent emerging from academic institutions, proving that the future of mallet percussion is in capable hands. GAIA's support for the Steve Weiss Festival Mallet Festival brought forth a week of musical enchantment, uniting performers, educators, and enthusiasts in a celebration of percussion excellence. As the echoes of the festival linger, the impact of GAIA's generosity and the collective talent on display serve as a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, connect, and elevate the human spirit. The Steve Weiss Festival Mallet Festival stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion and support converge in harmony.