Communities: Afghani refugees housed at Camp Atterbury
Launched: 3 afternoon performances
Involved: 3 ensembles from IU
Summary
The IU Jacobs School of Music CRE brought several ensembles to perform for the Afghanistan refugees at Camp Atterbury in December 2021. The Singing Hoosiers, IU Crimson Drumline, and the Jazz Ensemble provided several early afternoon concerts for the evacuated families. Overflowing the gymnasium bleachers, the Afghans excitedly filmed the performers, afterwards requesting photos with the students.
Camp Atterbury, a National Guard training base in Edinburgh, Indiana, is currently housing several thousand Afghan evacuees as part of “Operation All Allies Welcome.” This national initiative works to transition high risk Afghan nationals into a life in the United States. A large percentage of the refugees are children, with many large families fleeing the Taliban together. While the refugees are temporarily living in the Camp Atterbury barracks, the Department of Homeland Security provides aid in sorting through humanitarian parole qualifications, work authorizations, vaccinations, and identity checks. They also offer weekly English classes for both children and adults, provide information on jobs and budgeting skills, teach American culture courses, and connect the Afghans with potential employers hosting virtual job fairs.
Read more about this project on our blog
JSoM Students Involved:
The Singing Hoosiers
IU Crimson Drumline
Jazz Ensemble
Others Involved:
Terri Morris-Downs
Atterbury Military Base
Monika Herzig
Sylvia McNair