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ASU Hosting Masankho Kamsisi Banda Oct. 15-19

By Erika Ivey

Oct. 12, 2012. Masankho Kamsisi Banda, certified interplay facilitator, is headed back up to the mountains of Boone to share his love of the arts. The Office of International Education and Development at Appalachian State will be hosting the Malawian artist for the entire week of Oct. 15-19.

With a degree in cultural and spiritual studies from Holy Names University in Oakland, Calif., Banda is no stranger to the “feel good” arts in life. Christy Chenausky, coordinator of one of the week’s events, said, “He loves working with people who are willing to dance and sing.”

In past visits, Banda has worked very well with groups and organizations such as the Western Youth Network, the gospel choir at ASU and the honors chorus at Watauga High School. These groups will be no stranger to his upcoming agenda. “It allows for a deeper connection because he is able to work with some of the same groups as before,” said Chenausky.

Banda is expected to make an impact on the community during his short visit. He has worked with at risk youth in Boone before, where he had them put together a show for their families. “It was incredible,” said Chenausky. “It was very meaningful for the people involved.”

Having done so much to touch the people of the community before, there is great anticipation and excitement as his visit closely approaches.

The events and activities on schedule during his residency are as follows:

-Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 15-16- faculty and staff workshops at ASU (registration required)

-Wednesday, Oct. 17- workshop with Dr. Susan Mills at Watauga HS for k-12 teachers, 1:30-3:30 p.m. (free, registration required)

-Thursday, Oct. 18- joint workshop featuring drumming with students in Mountain Alliance

-Thursday, Oct. 18- student workshop at ASU 4-5:30 p.m.

During the visit, Banda will also be lecturing in music education classes. He will work with the Western Youth Network each day, and travel with them to Black Mountain Oct. 20 for the Lake Eden Arts Festival.

For more information on the week’s activities contact Sarah Bergstedt at (828) 262-8046. For more information on the work of Banda, visit his website at ucandanc.org.