From: Michael Stein, a 2025 recipient of the Arnold Shultz Fund for his work in the “Finger Grass from the Serengeti to Kentucky” bluegrass education program benefiting the community of Mbale District, Uganda
“With this message please find videos of the program that, with the IBMA Foundation’s help, I have continued to forge ahead with full steam,” Stein said. “I have very committed students who are playing up a storm. I am hoping to go to Africa this summer to work in person. Meanwhile, we have been working on Zoom and What’s App. I have been writing out and playing the different parts for our group members. I will not be able to deliver the banjos until I go to Africa, but the banjo and mandolin players are learning on guitar and keyboard respectively until they can transfer that knowledge to their instruments.”
Michael’s students have started with the traditional fiddle tune, “Old Joe Clark,” and they’re moving on to “Red Wing.” Their next song will be a vocal, he says. “We are also planning to write our first original song, ‘It’s a Long Way from Kampala to Mbale’ (pronounced MM-Bah-Lay). Hope you enjoy the videos!”
RETURN to the July 2025 issue of The Cornerstone.
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