Vidita Kannikeswaran Erin Alanson Gateway to University Honors 20 November 2013

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Honors Experiential Learning Project Proposal Basic Information Full Name: Vidita Kannikeswaran UC Email: kannikva@mail.uc.edu College: College-Conservatory of Music Major: Music Education & Music History (Double Major) - Voice Concentration Title of Project: Shanti - A Journey of Peace Thematic Area: Leadership Expected Project Start Date: February Expected Project End Date: April 5th, 2014 Project Information 1.) Abstract Shanti: A Journey of Peace is a collaborative, multi-media theatrical production that explores the meanings and message of peace, joy and the interconnectedness of life through music, dance and imagery. Created in a unique compositional genre pioneered by Kanniks Kannikeswaran, Shanti features a choral symphonic presentation of ancient Indian texts and ragas, rendered by an incredible combination of an Indian community choir along with singers

from western choirs, accompanied by a western chamber orchestra, an ensemble of Indian instruments, dances from several parts of India and powerful visuals - all tied together with a gripping story line, exploring the meaning of living in harmony with the universality of creation, and diversity. My connection to this amazing production lies in the fact that Kanniks Kannikeswaran is my own father. Shanti has been performed a total of six times up to date, three times in Cincinnati at UCs own Great Hall (2004), and the Aronoff Center (2006), and again in Allentown, PA (2008) and Houston TX (2010), and it has been a huge part of my life. I have grown up living the experience of putting together such a magical and truly life-changing event: the rehearsals, the music, the communication, the technology, the backstage direction, etc. So when I received news from my father that we had been invited to perform Shanti again at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati this spring, and having had a taste of everything it takes to make this show a success, I was confident that I could take on a strong leadership role in this project. This will be a tremendous learning opportunity for me in a number of different areas. As a musician, I will be assisting my father in proofing and improving the score of the show, I will be preparing for my solo performance in the show, and I will have the opportunity to work with the Indian Community choir, teaching and directing the music. From a management and technical standpoint, I will be very active in the behind-the-scenes part of the event, taking on the role of a stage manager. I will also take on a leadership role in publicity and recruitment, as UC is a very diverse community and I visualize getting as many people involved as possible, whether as participants, or audience. I feel very passionate about having the opportunity to share this amazing experience with my teachers, my peers, and my own generation, making it personally very meaningful to me.

- Outline of Time Commitment: - Late December: Recruitment and communication begins with outside participants in the
program (Dancers, Instrumentalists, Orchestra, Media, etc.)

- January - March: Participation and leadership in Choir Rehearsals, preparation for Solo
performance

- March - April: Publicity, continued rehearsals - April 1st - 5th: Show Week - extensive Rehearsals, backstage management - April 5th - Showday

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2. Connection to Learning Outcomes

- Has the ability to relate, communicate and work effectively with peers: This project involves a
lot of communication. I will be given the responsibility to relate to and direct a group of singers, and by doing so, I will be learning a lot about the most effective techniques when it comes to direction and communication. Although it will be a leadership role, I believe that the people I will be working with are peers, because they will be instrumental in helping me learn. I will also have to work effectively with people I will be recruiting at UC for the success of this show. For example, I will be contacting UC Dhadhak, the award-winning and nationally renown international dance group here at UC. We hope to involve members of the team in Shanti, and as a UC student, I will be taking on the responsibility of communicating with them and getting them involved, as well as the responsibility of making any other UC related ties, using my personal networks for the best interests of the show.

- Develops a vision for the future and acknowledges the impact of decisions: I have a strong
vision when it comes to his production, because I have first-handedly seen the kind of amazing impact it has had on those who have witnessed it or have even just watched it. It is unlike any other experience, because it defines what it is to bring a community together. I have seen this music come to life through so many different instrumental ensembles, singers and dancers from all over the country, and when the curtain falls at the end of each performance, the sheer joy on peoples faces is priceless. This is a feeling that I want to bring to people: The joy in sharing music and coming together in conveying a powerfully moving message about peace and the interconnectedness life. In leading parts of this project I will be learning how to make educated decisions for the best interests of the group and the success of the production as a whole. These are all valuable skills that I will be able to take with me and surely apply to my life in the future. 3. Connection to Goals and Academic Theories A. My effective involvement in this project will be a fantastic contribution to my future

academic, professional and personal goals. As a Music Education and History major, I am currently studying the art of pedagogy and the sharing of knowledge. This project will give me the opportunity of doing exactly this, through music. I will be working with people, teaching, sharing, directing, using and applying the skills that I am learning here at CCM. I will be get real, hands-on, truly applicable experience in the field I am pursuing at a young age, and I feel very fortunate to be able to have this opportunity. I am also very interested in the now growing field of Arts Administration, which involves the communications side of the Arts. I consider myself a people-person. I am someone who has always been interested in networking, making new

connections, event coordination and planning. A dream-career of mine is to be an artistic director for a venue such as the Kennedy Center in D.C. or Orchestra Hall, Chicago, etc. Taking on an active role in the publicity and direction of this production is giving me hands-on experience in this field as well, making me increasingly well-rounded not only as a musician but as an active community member and leader. I aspire to pull this production together in flying colors making phenomenal music, and creating many new ties with many new people. B. - Situational Leadership Theory (found on Leadership with You archive of theories

and readings) This theory is a model consisting of four different styles to follow: telling, selling, participating, and delegating. It is the culmination of these four techniques that results in effective leadership and results. Using this approaches/techniques will create a better understanding in me about leadership. - Number 2 in 6 Leadership Styles and When you Should Use Them by Robyn Benincasa - FastCompany.com The authoritative leader mobilizes the team toward a common vision and focuses on end goals, leaving the means up to each individual. If this style were summed up in one phrase, it would be Come with me. Authoritative leaders inspire an entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant enthusiasm for the mission. Employing this style would work particularly well for my project, because it is very goal-specific. We are ultimately working toward a very successful end product, the final production. Taking this approach to leading a group of people will help mold me into a more experienced and seasoned leader. 4. Initiative, Independence and Creativity My unique contribution to this project stems from the fact that I have truly been immersed in this production since the age of ten. Because I literally sat by my father as he wrote

the music, observed every rehearsal from the sidelines and was an active participant in every one of the shows, I have an understand of what it takes to put the production together that no one else does. Using my unique skills and past experiences in musical direction as well as general communication and leadership skills, I believe that what I will be doing for this project will be uniquely beneficial and unlike anything else anyone has brought to the table in the past. 5. Reflection I will actively reflect on my learning throughout the experience by documenting it with photographs. Ive always loved to take photographs, so this will be a perfect way for me the capture the event in a reflective manner. In addition to this photo album I will also keep a journal of sorts. I always keep a journal anyway, so I will include important dates and events that will help me further reflect on the event in my essay at the conclusion of the project. 6. Dissemination I will be sharing the news of the production to spread the word and get as many people in the community to get involved/attend, as possible. I will be doing this via Social Media (Facebook, etc.) as well as with physical posters and flyers around the area. The production will hopefully receive media coverage, and I hope to be a part of this so that I can share it as well. Once the production is over, I plan to share my photographs and reflections on the show, again, on Facebook. This audience is appropriate because Facebook represents my largest immediate circle, including family, friends of all ages, teachers, peers, etc. I also plan to share my work in this production with my immediate advising faculty members on a more personal level, as I feel they would really appreciate this experience as musicians. 7. Project Advisor

- Dr. Ann Porter - Phone: 513-556-9527 - Email: ann.porter@uc.edu - Office: Mary Emery Hall 52379
8. Budget Not applicable to this project