Melody Feo Sverko is a math and science teacher, STEM curriculum developer, and talented musician hailing from Bogotá, Colombia, and New Jersey. She plays lead gaita, a flute-like instrument, in the NYC-based band Maraca Bruja, and has spent the past decade immersing herself in the traditional folk music of Colombia. In this episode, Melody speaks about her experience playing the gaita, the music of Ovejas, Colombia, and the project she is working on to protect this music and the masters that keep the tradition alive. The project is entitled Resistencia Sonora, Totumo Seco, and you can find more information and contribute to the project at the following link: Resistencia Sonora

Melody and her friend Daniel (Pan) play at the beginning and end of the conversation (which was a real treat!) and we've also included two pieces performed by master musician, Andrés Narváez.

Music included in episode:

12:27 - Gaita improvisation, performed Melody and Daniel

25:25 - No tengo naa, performed by Andrés Narváez

34:10 - Queremos Paz, performed by Andrés Narváez

45:50 - Gaita improvisation, performed by Melody and Daniel