WASHINGTON, D.C. (MuseWire) – The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced today that the American Music Abroad program, an international exchange program that uses music as a means to engage underserved audiences worldwide, is now accepting applications for American musicians for the 2013-2014 season. Candidates may apply at www.americanvoice.org/ama.

The American Music Abroad program consists of month-long, multi-country tours for approximately 10 American musical groups. The musicians will be chosen to conduct musical exchange tours abroad to foster cross-cultural engagement and understanding. Musicians from a variety of American musical genres are encouraged to apply. American Music Abroad ensembles will be selected on the basis of artistic quality and commitment to educational and cultural engagement.

The deadline for applicants is January 18, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Through public concerts, interactive performances with local musicians, lecture demonstrations, workshops, and jam sessions, American Music Abroad builds on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vision of “smart power,” which embraces the full range of diplomatic tools, including music, to bring people together and create opportunities for greater understanding.

The U.S. Department of State partners with the Association of American voices to reach international audiences with little or no access to live American musical performances, especially underserved youth, in nearly 40 countries in every region of the world.

For more information, visit http://exchanges.state.gov/cultural/ama.html .

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