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3-Minute Interview: Aaron Shneyer
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Aaron Shneyer is one of four recipients of the inaugural Fulbright-mtvU Fellowship.
Washington DC (Map, News) - A 2005 graduate of Georgetown University, Aaron Shneyer is one of four recipients of the inaugural Fulbright-mtvU Fellowship. The Rockville resident left for Jerusalem on Sept. 30 and will spend his fellowship using music to open a dialogue and create cultural understanding between Israeli and Palestinian high school students.
Can you explain your program?
I'm creating an ensemble of about 10 Israeli and Palestinian youth musicians from high schools in East and West Jerusalem called Heartbeat Jerusalem. Each week, the group will come together to learn, write and play music, eventually creating a performance and recording that will be shared with the larger community.
What are your goals with the program?
The main goals are to create an opportunity for these students to develop their skills of expression, deepen their understanding of each other, and realize the potential of their individual and collective voices. I hope people notice how special this group is and truly pay attention to what these kids have to say.
What do you have to do for MTV during this experience?
Each week I'll be uploading video, audio, photo and text to my Web site on mtvU.com. People around the world will be able to follow the ensemble's process as it unfolds over the course of the year.
What's been the best experience so far?
It's only been about 10 days, but without a doubt, the best part has been the people here. I am so fortunate to meet with people from both sides, Israelis and Palestinians, and experience the incredible kindness and hospitality that is so prevalent in both cultures. I wish everyone could get to see what I see.
What are your plans after the fellowship is complete?
I honestly don't know. It is quite possible that we will take this ensemble and develop it into a longer-lasting program and full-fledged NGO. I might return to my own music career and I might go back to school for a graduate degree. The possibilities are endless.
