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Who we are:

We are a group of students that dedicate their time to play and learn about marimbas. A marimba is a large wooden percussion instrument with resonators, resembling a xylophone. We play under the incredible leadership of Paul Meehan, who has been teaching marimba music for the past ten years. We all really enjoy playing, and we love serving the community through our music. We often play at community functions, and we are currently working to develop a music program in Ometepe, Nicaragua.

How we started:

This group started as a beginners music class under the leadership of Paul Meehan. We fell in love with the music, and decided to keep playing. Most of the people in our group have been playing for five years. However, there are a few that were picked up along the way. The music that we're playing is traditional Shona music from the people of Zimbabwe. Our name, Ushamwari means "life-long friends" in the shona language. However, some of our songs are written by a Seattle based musician by the name of Walt Hampton.

Our purpose:

The purpose of this venture is to build marimbas with the people of Ometepe, as well as performing for them and teaching them basic playing skills. Another huge intent is that they could then teach each other, and continue their marimba ensemble after we leave. We are hopeful that we could initiate a lasting music program within their school system. We believe that this music can bring happiness to the children of Ometepe, and strengthen friendships among them and between Bainbridge and Ometepe.

We would love to see their school districts and their community thrive. One of the reasons this endeavor is so important is that the marimba is the national instrument of Nicaragua. However, many of the country's people have never played an actual marimba or heard one played. We hope to bring music to them in the most accessible way possible, to leave the citizens of Ometepe with the ability to continue what we start.

One way that we will leave them equipped to build more marimbas is by only using tools and materials that they have access to on the island. This way, they will see that they can do it on their own. Also, by teaching some of them how to play, we make it possible for them to teach each other. Our aim is to leave the people of Ometepe with two marimbas that they helped build, as well as the knowledge to play them and make more.

Special thanks to: our ongoing relationship with BOSIA. Read more about them below:

"The Bainbridge-Ometepe Sister Islands Association which was founded by Kim and Ela Esterberg and friends in 1986. Since then, we have created bridges of friendship between our islands. Our connections are diverse. Since 1990, the Sister Islands association has imported fine coffee from our sister island of Ometepe in Nicaragua. We call it Cafe Oro de Ometepe. We have jointly created schools and water systems together, sponsored scholarships for continuing education of students on Ometepe and helped improve health and education. Over 70 delegations have transpired between Bainbridge Island and Ometepe. Lasting friendships have been made with people of all ages on both islands as we work and play together, creating bridges of friendship between our sister communities." www.bosia.org.