This is an excellent and absorbing documentary. I was able to view it on Netflix streaming.
The programs followed here in the USA are take-offs from a very successful program in South America. This documentary focuses on programs in mostly black, inner city schools in Philadelphia and New York City. In a number of studies over the years it has been shown that the discipline and intelligence needed to master music can translate into kids better developing a host of life skills when they become adults.
One of the students is cute, smart Raven, maybe 10 or 11. She has latched onto the violin, she is a natural, and she loves to practice. She wants to be the best. But as if often the case with cute, smart children they like to show off and be the "life of the party", even if it is in class where they are supposed to be attentive. Part of the story arc here is for Raven to understand her obligation to be a team player, to behave and play in a way that will support the whole orchestra. It is a tough lesson but it seems she is in the right direction by the end of the documentary.
Another is a boy, maybe 14 or 15, named Zebadiah. He is a bit quirky but smart, and he is progressing well with the viola. We see much growth in him also as the documentary progresses.
Perhaps the most difficult case is Mohammed, a boy who has a knack for the trombone and loves to play, practice, and get better. But like many young boys has a problem with attention and discipline in the classroom. His father, an African immigrant, takes a hard line, if Mohammed doesn't raise his grades then he must drop out of the program. It is a tough case, I just hope he can find the right balance because education is important. There are lots of indigent musicians!
When it was over I had a good feeling, not only about the kids featured in the documentary but also about kids everywhere. We tend to hear more about the bad kids, it is good to hear about the good ones too.
The programs followed here in the USA are take-offs from a very successful program in South America. This documentary focuses on programs in mostly black, inner city schools in Philadelphia and New York City. In a number of studies over the years it has been shown that the discipline and intelligence needed to master music can translate into kids better developing a host of life skills when they become adults.
One of the students is cute, smart Raven, maybe 10 or 11. She has latched onto the violin, she is a natural, and she loves to practice. She wants to be the best. But as if often the case with cute, smart children they like to show off and be the "life of the party", even if it is in class where they are supposed to be attentive. Part of the story arc here is for Raven to understand her obligation to be a team player, to behave and play in a way that will support the whole orchestra. It is a tough lesson but it seems she is in the right direction by the end of the documentary.
Another is a boy, maybe 14 or 15, named Zebadiah. He is a bit quirky but smart, and he is progressing well with the viola. We see much growth in him also as the documentary progresses.
Perhaps the most difficult case is Mohammed, a boy who has a knack for the trombone and loves to play, practice, and get better. But like many young boys has a problem with attention and discipline in the classroom. His father, an African immigrant, takes a hard line, if Mohammed doesn't raise his grades then he must drop out of the program. It is a tough case, I just hope he can find the right balance because education is important. There are lots of indigent musicians!
When it was over I had a good feeling, not only about the kids featured in the documentary but also about kids everywhere. We tend to hear more about the bad kids, it is good to hear about the good ones too.
