George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 – July 11, 1937) was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known. Among his best known works are the orchestral compositions Rhapsody in Blue (1924) and An American in Paris (1928), as well as the opera, Porgy and Bess (1935).
He wrote most of his vocal and theatrical works, including more than a dozen Broadway shows, in collaboration with his elder brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin. George Gershwin composed music for both Broadway and the classical concert hall, as well as popular songs that brought his work to an even wider public. His compositions have been used in numerous films and on television, and many became jazz standards recorded in numerous variations. Countless singers and musicians have recorded Gershwin songs.
Source: Wikipedia
Music in the Classroom
This introduction to the Atlanta Concert Band’s Music in the Classroom could recite numerous scientific studies on the benefits of music and learning. Although interesting to a few, to others it would be boring and too much like school. Instead, a story of a great musician, who was also a physicist, may be best to explain why music education is so important to all of our futures.
Did you guess the musical scientist? If you said, Albert Einstein, you are absolutely correct and have scored an A+ on the exam. Einstein said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music…I get most joy in life out of music.” Well done!
As a young boy, Einstein was not a very good student. In fact, his teacher once suggested that he drop out of school and learn a trade. It was his discovery of the music of Bach that kept him in school and started him on a path to a changing the world. Ever hear of a little idea called Relativity? Whether the theory was a result of music will never be known. However, when challenged, Einstein would often retreat to his music and return with a creative new solution to his problem. A technique I have used myself, but my solution fell short of a grand unifying theory.
Never the less, as you read the paragraphs above, did you find yourself amazed? Did you catch yourself thinking about that young child in your class under-performing? (Pardon the pun) Did you ask yourself, what if? Why not? Well?
Our talented musicians stand ready to help. As mentors to teachers, we can help explain musical concepts that will infuse musical activities into everyday learning activities. As experienced musicians, we are available to conduct mini-clinics, sectionals, or master classes for young musicians. As performing artists with professional careers, we can share the benefits of music beyond the band room.
If you are interested in how the musicians from the Atlanta Concert Band can inspire and motivate students to learn, please contact us.