Why We Do It
Modern educators know the importance of educating the whole child, by giving them the academic skills they need and by exposing them to the arts as well. Unfortunately, when school budgets get cut, the arts programs are the first on the chopping block. It is a disservice to children to deprive them of the inspiration, educational opportunity and joy live music brings. Live music is an art form that most students have never gotten to experience before. What the Z Brothers hope to do is to bring that gift of live music with a positive, educational message to students in schools where live music programs do not exist or have been cut. The goal is to inspire elementary school children to be well rounded people who are able to express their ideas and feelings in a variety of creative ways, including through music. In P.S. 119, the first school the Z Brothers performed at, several students credited the Z Brothers with inspiring them to learn to play an instrument and/or write song lyrics of their own. All children are motivated to learn in different ways. The Z Brothers hope to reach those students who need live music to jump start their creativity and love of learning. The Z Brothers performance is more than just a concert. It is an interactive experience between the musicians and the students. It encourages student participation through active listening, higher order questioning, listening to and following verbal directions and activating imagination through storytelling. This is a project worth investing in as a parent, music fan, believer in music education, child advocate, educator, or anyone who envisions a future full of creative, inspired, well rounded adults. Please help us bring this experience to as many students as possible.