Sisai
Testimonial
The performance we heard from Sisai was a wonderful experience for our students and staff. For many members of the audience, this was their first exposure to music from the Andes. All of us we struck by the extraordinary music, and the beautiful sounds and music that the performers generated. By weaving a strong explanation of the orgin of the music throughout the program, as well as an explanation about the culture and peoples of the Andes region, the students were quickly drawn into the presentation. I can genuinely state that the Sisai performance was one of the strongest and most professional student enrichment programs that we have ever had visit our school.Edward J. Condon, Ph.D., Principal, Butler Junior High
Artist Discipline: Music
Artist Bio
Sisai founder Jose Muenala learned to play flutes as a boy, inspired by the elders who continue the rich musical heritage of his people. From his self taught beginnings on Andean mountainsides to performing for over twenty years at hundreds of venues across the U.S., Jose and Sisai have remained dedicated to pursuing a true traditional sound. They have produced four recordings which reflect their dedication to maintaining and furthering native culture.
Artist Statement
The continuation of ancient Andean indigenous culture is an intrinsic and vital element of Sisai. Born into a strong traditional community where customs and culture dictate so much of life, members experienced music as the voice of culture, a part of everyday life, a part of the most sacred times in life. The ability to share that voice and the sheer joy taken in this artistic expression are reasons for the group’s longevity.
Sisai recognizes that the joys and sorrows of life are felt and expressed through music. Music is a universal language easily accepted and understood. Through twenty years of performance we have seen the way in which it reinforces the bond of humanity that we all share. It evokes emotion, exemplifies universality, and connects us in an elemental way. Sharing our culture through music has always been a positive exchange.
As our world grows "smaller,” diversity flourishes around us. Helping others to experience and understand the beauty of our distinct human cultures, customs, and beliefs has become central to our work. We believe cultural education, which promotes peace and understanding between people, is the fundamental foundtation for future peace. In becoming parents ourselves, our work with children has taken on an even more poignant and meaningful role.
Educational Philosophy
Aesthetic education provides a child the opportunity to be introduced to and learn about a subject through tangible objects, visual input and live sound which can create a sense of peace and wonder. Those feeling of peace, wonder, and curiosity in turn foster a love for learning. These experiences build upon one another as children gain a broader sense of the world.
Our music sparks imagination and curiosity, and bridges gaps that may be felt between cultural or racial divides by creating beauty through sound. We have seen children from all cultures recognize the beauty of Andean music. Our most important work is done if the children that dance in a traditional circle with us or play our instruments during our presentation one day reach out to a person of another culture with more understanding because of the connections they have made.