Educational Media Reviews Online

Heartfelt testimonials in this program regarding how important making music is in life after high school drive these points home time after time: non-major college and community music ensembles welcome ‘citizen musicians’ and continuing your nonprofessional musicianship after you are finished with school can make you happy. First-time filmmakers Paul Trapkus (a high school music teacher) and Elizabeth Potter (a high school junior and his violin student) interview people of all ages, mostly in Colorado, to discover how they feel about ‘doing music’ recreationally. All styles are considered: classical, jazz, folk, popular. Viewers may be inspired to dig out that flute in the back of the closet or pick up that disused guitar after seeing how much satisfaction these amateur musicians (and their professional conductors) express. Extras include commentary from the two directors, a 20-minute ‘classroom’ version of the film, and extended interviews with Alfie Kohn (exponent of grade-free schooling), music education professor Roger Mantie, and Hal Salzman, a professor of public policy who criticizes current emphasis on STEM majors (the more we graduate, the lower their eventual wages; what we really need are more innovative content producers, such as music mavens). The film’s principal camera operator was also a high school student, so for libraries looking for an excellent example of young filmmakers’ efforts, this is solidly recommended. Also recommended to all high school and college music educators.

Awards

• Winner, San Francisco Film Awards