Electric & Acoustic Cellist, Vocalist and Composer
CURRENT PROJECTS
Asian Elephant Project | Poetry Concerts and Workshops | "Being with Dying" Workshops
THE ASIAN ELEPHANT PROJECT
"Over and over again I have experienced the power of music as an international language, but now through this exceptional encounter, it becomes an inter-species language." (Jami Sieber)
In February of 2001, Jami was invited to Thailand to play music "for and with" elephants. It was an unusual invitation, and she had no idea how profoundly moved she would be by this experience. The Asian elephant is an endangered species, and to see and really feel it in captivity is heartbreaking to say the least.
At the Elephant Conservation Center outside of Lampang, Thailand, a group of elephants have been trained to play instruments that were built expressly for them. The group is called the Thai Elephant Orchestra and their music is recorded on two CDs. The purpose of this orchestra is to bring attention to the plight of the elephant and the intelligence of these magnificent beings, as well as to raise money for their protection and preservation. Jami says, "I was filled with mixed emotions about the orchestra itself, but what I know is that the elephants' willingness to enter into the world of sound and music led me to a deep connection that has forever changed me."
Jami spent two days with the elephant orchestra. On the first day, she set up her electric cello in an open field and began playing music while the elephants gathered around her in a tight circle. It was amazing to see how they responded to the music; keeping time with their feet, joyfully swinging their massive heads in perfect rhythm, and then joining in with their own vocalized sounds.
The following day, the entire elephant orchestra was brought in and the recording equipment was set in place. Jami and the elephants created a remarkable dialogue and the unspoken language was music. Jami says, "The connection made that day filled me with a deep joy and humble respect for these majestic and intelligent creatures."
In December of 2001, Jami returned to Lampang to further explore her relationship with the elephants, while continuing to compose and record her newest CD, "Hidden Sky." She spent almost two months with the people and elepants of Thailand. Jami was amazed to find that most of the elephants with whom she had previously connected--particularly Prathida, Phong and LuukKhang--remembered her.
Jami describes her experience with the elephants as a mystical type of collaboration that she has never experienced before. They gave her the gift of love beyond barriers, beyond spoken language and beyond imagination. For Jami, interacting with the elephants was "a remembering of a time when we related deeply to the planet and to all beings on this earth." It is her hope that, by being involved with the Asian Elephant Project, she can do a small part to inspire others to protect that which is most dear to us: shared life on this planet.
Here are some suggestions of ways you can help support the Asian Elephant Project:
- Make a tax deductable donation to one of the organizations mentioned here or on Jami's links page
- Purchase Jami's new CD, "Hidden Sky." A portion of the proceeds from sales will go to organizations supporting elephant care and preservation. Support an artist and support the elephants at the same time.
- Host a fundraising concert in your home or community where Jami can share slides, stories and music
