American Music Abroad Now Accepting Applications for 2015-16 Touring Season

American Voices, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, announces today that the American Music Abroad (AMA) program is now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 touring season. Bands and ensembles are encouraged to apply at amvoices.org/ama/apply/application. The application deadline is January 9, 2015.

AMA is an international exchange program designed to communicate America's rich musical contributions and diverse culture to audiences around the world. Each year, approximately 10 ensembles are selected to embark on a month-long, multi-country tour, where they engage with international audiences through public concerts, interactive performances with local musicians, lectures and demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, and media interviews. AMA bands have traveled to more than 75 countries around the world since 2011.

Ensembles from any characteristically American musical genre are welcome to apply, including but not limited to Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Cajun, Country, Folk, Latin, Native American, Gospel, Hip Hop/Urban, Indie Rock, Jazz, Punk, R&B, and Zydeco. American Music Abroad ensembles will be selected on the basis of artistic quality and a demonstrated commitment to educational and cultural engagement. Each ensemble must consist of 3-5 members. All band members must be American citizens at least 18 years of age.

The deadline to apply is January 9, 2015 at Midnight EST.

Stay updated on AMA news on Facebook (facebook.com/americanmusicabroad), Twitter (twitter.com/USAmusicabroad) and by using the hashtag #AmericanMusicAbroad.

American Voices has been conducting cross-cultural engagement with audiences in more than 110 nations worldwide since 1993. Serving as a cultural bridge, American Voices has introduced American music and culture the world over, showcasing a wide variety of genres ranging from jazz to classical symphony to hip hop in counties including Iraq, Afghanistan and Sudan. Meanwhile, our Youth Excellence on Stage (YES) Performance Academies bring arts education programs to places like Thailand, Pakistan and Lebanon. American Voices programming provides much-needed expertise and support to aspiring musicians, dancers and actors, as well as enhancing cultural understanding and communications among peoples and nations. For its cultural diplomacy work, the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy (USCCD) selected American Voices as a "Best Practice Organization" in 2010. In October 2011, American Voices was the chosen by the U.S. Department of State to administer the American Music Abroad program.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs promotes international mutual understanding through a wide range of academic, cultural, private-sector, professional, and sports exchange programs. These international exchanges engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes, and emerging leaders in many fields in the United States and in more than 160 countries. Alumni of ECA exchanges comprise over one million people around the world, including more than 50 Nobel Laureates and more than 320 current or former heads of state and government.