Global Z Recording Project
Because of the
technology Jazz Director Antonio García utilized during the years of the
VCU/UKZN exchange, he was approached by the Global Z Recording Project and serves as a Subject Matter Expert for
the nonprofit charity. The Project is designed to discover young (18 years of
age and younger) exceptional student musicians from highly diverse cultural
backgrounds around the globe, record them virtually over Internet-based
technologies, and produce original world-class works and cross-cultural bonds
of friendship. Through the virtual production process, the young participants
serve as expert, native cultural ambassadors, developing peace-minded global
citizens.
Representatives of
other universities/colleges are involved, including Berklee College of Music's Global Initiatives Department and Columbia College Chicago's Audio Arts &
Acoustics Program. In late 2018 Global Z completed its Phase I Proof of Concept
Project, virtually recording student musicians located across the state of
Maryland and Colorado. In 2019 The Global Z Recording Project was named a
participant in the USA Today "A Community Thrives" Fundraising Challenge,
through which Global Z hopes to raise $60,000 with which to run its Phase II
North America Native Music Project. Through Global Z young musicians explore their own cultures
and philosophies while exploring the cultures, religions, practices, and
politics of others in the hopes of cultivating peace-minded, accepting, global
citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
