In a recent article published in the New Canaan Advertiser entitled, "Visually-impaired musicians challenge Saxe kids to hear", Los Ciegos bandleader Arnold Vargas states, "Everyone is born to appreciate music just the same." Last year former Troubadors (Russia '91, Dominican Republic, '96) Los Ciegos del Barrio visited Saxe Middle School in New Canaan, CT, as part of a series of interdistrict abilities awareness assemblies. I am a 6th grade Social Studies teacher there and a former Troubador myself (China '87). When not spouting ancient history to my students at Saxe,  I spend a good deal of time writing interdistrict grants funded by the State Department of Education. These programs extend partnerships between schools of different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through the efforts of Project Troubador, Los Ciegos is featured in the award winning "KidsLink" book which included student artwork, letters and reflection after the concert.The book and companion CD entitled, "Los Ciegos Live at Saxe", was distributed to over 600 students from seven different school systems. It went on to win the multicultural program of the year award from the National Association of Multicultural Education, (N.A.M.E).

     Project Troubador continues to serve as a beacon and inspiration to me and other teachers who wish to expand the parameters of the classroom. Through our efforts, Los Ciegos is looking forward to new bookings in education this year in the Rowayton and Bridgeport, CT, schools. To quote the "KidsLink" motto:  "Walls of division will fall under the weight of a connected world." Thank you Project Troubador and Los Ciegos for being part of the "KidsLink" program!


    John Moses is Instructional Leader for Diversity in the New Canaan School System and hopes to be allowed to "sit in" with Los Ciegos when they return.