1970: Peter B. Beardsley served in El Salvador in San Salvador beginning in 1970



Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Peter B. Beardsley can be contacted at jpbeardsleyathe-spadcom

Country of Service: El Salvador

Training Group: 1970 - Music Project

Cities you served in: San Salvador

Arrival Year: 1970

Departure Year: 1972

Work Description:

Rebuilding public school music education program in the country. Training existing faculty and teaching future musicians in the Bachillerato de Artes. Translating textbooks and other materials into Spanish. Performing with students and professional musicians. Smuggling instruments (now it can be told!).

Other Countries you served in, Training Group Name Arrival Year, Departure Year, Work Description:

Guatemala. Did major work on the pipe organ in the National Cathedral. Played concerts there and at the National Conservatory.

Bring us up to date on your life after the peace corps:

1973-1976: Organist First Methodist in Pittsfield, MA. Worked for organbuilder Rock D. Spencer
1976-present: Organist/Music Director Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) Springfield MA. Also teacher at The MacDuffie School, Springfield.

Any thoughts you have now looking back on peace corps days?:

Transforming experience. Made me suspect that I might not know everything. Second thoughts about "development" as a goal of U.S. policy. Being in the PC under the Nixon Administration will make a lifelong Democrat out of just about anyone.

Anyone you are looking for or would like to hear from?:

I can find 'em.

Any message for returned volunteers?:

Hang onto your ideals. You joined the Peace Corps to change the world. Stick with it.

Originally posted: July 10, 2003

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