This article comes out of an invitation from WOMEX 2011, the World Music Expo meeting last October in Copenhagen, to address the question: “What are the practicalities, challenges and ethics of world music as cultural diplomacy today? And is it becoming more or less relevant to the sector?”

Bolen recently completed his third summer teaching in American Voices’ Youth Excellence on Stage, or YES Academy. The program has taken him to Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon for two-week intervals to introduce classical piano music and techniques to young pupils from around each country.

First, the other members of the band released a new single online, "Putin Lights Up the Fires." The Guardian newspaper in England compiled clips and stills for an accompanying video, and the song could be a post-sentencing rallying cry for the millions of music fans and free-speech advocates following the case.

“The Oak Ridge Boys have been global ambassadors of American music and culture for decades,” Dr. David Sanders, NMC Director, said. “Cultural diplomacy is more important now than ever before, and this designation is a way for us to highlight the role that musicians, creators, and artists play in bettering our nation’s relationship with the world."

Culture can play an integral part in promoting the realisation of the vision of the East African Community through cultural dialogue. If more cross-country cultural events are held in the five member states on a rotating basis, citizens from these nations will better understand each other's cultures and integration will be easier.

A newly-minted U.S. cultural ambassador, McBride's job is to showcase American culture by engaging audiences in nations of strategic importance to the U.S. After Labor Day, Mary McBride and her band take their State Department-sponsored charm offensive to Libya and Afghanistan, among other countries.

During his time in Iraq, Clark will share orchestral scores and recordings with students. Many of them have received American Voices training in stringed instruments. He will provide instruction in music theory; music history from 1200 A.D. to the present; composition; and conducting.

The US Mission in Pakistan brought the band from New Orleans, Louisiana to play at events and participate in musical exchanges in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. The band’s visit to Pakistan hopes to answer the call from many Pakistanis to see more American exchanges in the country and promote cultural understanding.