This past semester saw the completion of two pilot educator programs in Russia. The first took place in Pskov, where all nine U.S. participants contributed to an on-line journal and discussion site that allowed students and teachers back in the States to take part "virtually" in the cross-cultural adventure. In the second trip to Russia, a group of ten special educators from the United States and Canada spent a week in Novgorod visiting a variety of special education settings, including special needs schools, government evaluation facilities, an early intervention center and the special education department of Novgorod State University. The aim of the special education program was to encourage the exchange of information and ideas between US and Russian counterparts through personal interaction and observation. Participant Christine Ruth, of Somers Point, NJ commented: "I will absolutely be a better teacher after this experience!…Success in education has more to do with resourcefulness and love of teaching and learning than with money and materials." For more information on Project Harmony's educator programs, please see the program web site

	Project Harmony's 2002 Educator Travel Program to Pskov February 22 - March 5, 2002 Project Harmony's new educator program for 2002 offers participants the chance to experience Russian life and explore the country's educational system through daily interactions in the classroom, around town and in Russian homes. The program includes homestays with Russian families, excursions in and around Pskov and a two-day cultural program in either St. Petersburg or Moscow. For more information, please visit the educator programs web site: www.projectharmony.org/ep or contact Barbara Miller in our Vermont office.

	Myllarit, the Karelian Folk Band from Petrozavodsk in northwest Russia, will be returning for their third United States concert tour this summer. Myllarit is a dynamic 7-person, 16-instrument band whose unique sound blends elements of rock, jazz and world music with the ancient traditions of Karelian, Finnish and Russian folk tunes. Myllarit was voted "Favorite Folk Band " out of 100 participating folk bands at the Folkland Cruise Festival in Turku, Finland on January 12 & 13, 2001. For concert dates and more information contact Sherry Merrick at (802)333-9598 or e-mail sherry.merrick@valley.net. Visit the Myllarit web site.

	Project Harmony's Mission Project Harmony empowers individuals to create healthier communities through international exchange and training programs.

In a musical exchange reminiscent of Project Harmony's roots, Vermont's premiere bluegrass band, Banjo Dan and the Mid-Nite Plowboys, performed a series of concerts throughout Russia in April 2001 at the Folk Marathon Music Festival. The band first performed in the Soviet Union in 1988 as part of a Project Harmony cultural exchange program. Venues for this year's tour included a beautiful old theater in Petrozavodsk, the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg and the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. The band's spirited sound and original songs were enthusiastically received by audiences in packed concert halls. Late evenings found band members enjoying the camaraderie of other musicians and engaging in jam sessions with festival performers.
Each afternoon Banjo Dan and the Mid-Nite Plowboys brought their gift of music to many special audiences; orphans, disabled children, schools and a shelter for homeless children. The children responded in kind, singing traditional Karelian songs, performing in spontaneous skits and offering the band stuffed animals they had made themselves. The exchange comes full circle when the Myllarit Karelian Folk Band returns to the United States for an 8 week tour in August and September. The Myllarit tour will include performances at festivals, schools, libraries, churches and music halls throughout New England and the eastern and middle United States. Project Harmony would like to thank the following organizations and businesses which supported the major portion of this musical exchange: The Byrne Foundation, National Life of Vermont, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Inc., Vermont Lazer Wash, American Flatbread Company, and the Vermont Bread Company.

Editor: Bonnie Smoren, Design and Layout: Big Eyedea, Waitsfield, Vermont, Printing: Adworks, Waitsfield, Vermont. Many thanks to contributors and proofreaders: Barbara Miller, Emily Chenot, Miranda Lutyens, Lucy Roberts, Paul Lawrence, Siobhan Kimmerle, Rusudan Chkhubianishuili, Ani Dolidze, Nancy White, Sherry Merrick, Charlie Hosford, Greg Ducot, Abi Butler.