HISTORY OF Daraja MUSIC initiative
In 2010, clarinetist Michele von Haugg founded Clarinets for Conservation to provide an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability through music education in Moshi, Tanzania. The clarinet is derived from Tanzania’s national tree, the mpingo, also known as African Blackwood, and grenadilla. The mpingo tree is of great value to instrument makers, artists, furniture makers, and hardwood carvers all over the world. However, it's high demand has threatened future sustainability of the tree and lead to the mpingo tree becoming commercial endangered. Students in the program learn to play the clarinet and also do conservation efforts, which include educating the local community about the mpingo tree and planting more trees.
The Daraja Strings program was started in 2015 by Hillary Herndon, Associate Professor of Viola at the University of Tennesee, Knoxville. The program provides free instrumental music lessons on violin, viola, and cello to students in Moshi, Tanzania.
Also, in 2015, both programs unified under the name Daraja Music Initiative. Daraja means "bridge" in Swahili. DMI seeks to bridge the principles of music education, cultural connectivity, and conservation. Education is a bridge for success, and DMI believes that every child can make a lasting impact in their own success and on their community.
The Daraja Strings program was started in 2015 by Hillary Herndon, Associate Professor of Viola at the University of Tennesee, Knoxville. The program provides free instrumental music lessons on violin, viola, and cello to students in Moshi, Tanzania.
Also, in 2015, both programs unified under the name Daraja Music Initiative. Daraja means "bridge" in Swahili. DMI seeks to bridge the principles of music education, cultural connectivity, and conservation. Education is a bridge for success, and DMI believes that every child can make a lasting impact in their own success and on their community.
