The Spizzwinks(?) visit Gitameit

Gitameit students and Spizzwinks at dinner in Rangoon

Visits to Burma (Myanmar) by American performing groups are extremely rare. In what Gitameit founder, Kit Young, described as “one of the most important things to happen in Myanmar in the past 5 years,” the Yale Spizzwinks(?) visited the Gitameit Music School in May of 2007. During the 5-day visit, the Spizzwinks worked with several choirs from the school, including Gitameit Voices and Gitapella.A Spizzwink teaches a dance to Gitameit students The Spizzwinks(?) and the Gitameit students worked together in musical workshops and presented a Gala Evening Concert together at the Inya Lake Resort in Rangoon (Yangon). The Gitameit students also graciously hosted the Spizzwinks(?) during the visit, showing the group the cultural and historical landmarks in and outside Rangoon. For both the Spizzwinks(?) and the students of the Gitameit School, it was an unforgettable experience.

Why Project Gitameit?

This project is about cultural exchange. During their trip to Rangoon, the Spizzwinks and the Gitameit students, though separated by a lifetime of vastly different experiences, felt a musical camaraderie. This project is intended to enhance that camaraderie, exposing the Gitameit musicians to a broader array of American musical culture and giving Americans their first opportunity to see a Burmese choir.