Teaching allows me to instil in my students the desire to pursue learning and acquire knowledge that will empower them to become productive citizens of the world.
In 2009 you had your conducting debut at the Al Bustan Music Festival in Lebanon. What was it like for you return to give this performance in the land of your birth? This was another dream come true, to return to my beloved home land and share my passion of music with its people. I was most grateful for the visionary cultural personality, Mrs. Myrna Bustani, for inviting me to give a summer session about Gospel Music and American Spirituals culminating in a concert at Al Bustan Summer Festival. It was truly a thrilling and most rewarding feeling to work with Lebanese singers and introduce them to this important American genre.
How would you describe the Lebanese community of Los Angeles? Do they maintain a strong sense of their cultural identity? The Lebanese community in Los Angeles is a close-knit group and is extremely active within the members of the Lebanese Diaspora. They are productive members in their respective American communities but maintain a solid coalition in promoting the Lebanese culture. All the NGOs work together and support each other’s projects and endeavours. Los Angeles is certainly a “salad bowl” where each ethnic community can keep its own identity but create a strong and unified community within this rich diversity. Have you ever faced prejudice in America due to your Lebanese heritage? I have been most fortunate to have experienced tremendous support and genuine warmth and inclusion by all who have crossed my path in this The Al Bustan Music Festival, Lebanon 2009