HAATz Off to Pioneer Teachers of MPS Column:
By Taki S. Raton
Dr. Abraham Caceres
He is known affectionately by his fans as Dr. Abe, a highly praised ethnomusicologist who delights audiences from around the country and the globe with the magic of his illustrious voice and musical instrumentation.
Dr. Abraham Caceres is founder and director of World House Music whose mission it is to “promote hope, healing and understanding through cross-cultural, interactive music programs in multicultural, educational, intergenerational, religious and interfaith settings.
He earned his Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from Indiana University. He is additionally a Fulbright-Hays scholar and a Fellow of the Ford Foundation. He has served as director of the Arts Program of Milwaukee’s Next Door Foundation.
He has produced musical scores from Around the World concert series featuring traditional cultures for the Milwaukee Public Museum; taught world music at Indiana University, piano at Syracuse University and served as music director of Amas Repertory Theatre in New York.
His spoken languages include English, Spanish, French, Nahuati, basic Chinese, and Braille. In addition to the United States, he has led what he terms his “playshops” in South American and the Philippines.
Select musical compositions include: “Music is the Key to the Future”, “World House”, “El Merengue”, “El Bautismo” and “The Sounds of Friendship” which was commissioned by Meet the Composer, Inc.
Dr. Abe responds to the need in his words to “promote understanding and develop a tolerance for all of God’s people.” He designed World House Music to create playshops for children and adults to “experience different cultures in a non-threatening way.”
Playshop participants are introduced to music, folklore, linguistics, geography, and cultural values of various ethnic groups which “promote understanding and peace between races.”
Children of all ages and abilities enjoy hands-on activities is his playshops while at the same time explore the similarities and differences between cultures using music and interactive “play”. Combining authentic music performed on traditional instruments, a lesson in the indigenous language and region-specific activities assist students in the development of a better understanding of others and a heightened respect as a guest in the “world house”.
Recent 2010 engagements have included teaching “Music Cultures of the World” at Mt. Mary College, the “Enter the Dragon” Chinese program at Franklin, Wisconsin’s Raymond School, the Gospel Fest at Pentecost Lutheran in Milwaukee, the “Simama!Kaa! – Stand! Sit!” African program for K4 to 2nds graders at St. Paul Lutheran School in Muskego, Wisconsin and the June Music Camp at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Future schedules include an invitation to teach for two weeks at Makumira University in Tanzania. Makumira operates the only university level music department in all of East Africa.
He is a standing contributing performer at the Celebration of MPS African American Pioneer Teachers luncheon. Held at Serb Hall, the monthly gatherings are sponsored by the Historic African American Teachers (HAAT) of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).
Under the leadership and organizing thrust of cultural enthusiast Vicki Singh, HAAT was established to celebrate the extraordinary efforts and commitment made by “pioneer” MPS teachers of African ancestry. These trailblazing educators are recognized for having a benchmark impact in the classroom; for breaking down racial barriers, and for teaching and inspiring many young people of their day who have become in their adult professions government, corporate, educational and community leaders.
Dr. Abe is also one of the founding members of HAAT. For engagements and workshop scheduling, he can be reached at (414) 732-7370 or at his website, www.worldhousemusic.com.
For any additional information on HAAT, please contact Singh at (414) 551-2107 or visit the Historic African American Teachers’ office at 1840 North Farwell.