In West Philadelphia, Students Learn To See Music as a Cultural Bridge
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A group of Philadelphia public school students today learned how music can help bridge the gaps between cultures.
Students from Comly Elementary School, in Northeast Philadelphia, were among a select audience taking part in a "Live Connections" session today at the World Café, on Walnut Street in University City.
"It's really interesting to learn about all the different cultures and all of the different music," said one girl.
"This was a very good experience for me," said another student. "I think it was pretty cool. I liked hearing the group perform."
The concert featured performances by western and Arab musicians. Grammy award-winning solo guitarist Jason Vieaux was among them.
"What we're hopefully teaching them is kindness and respect toward your fellow man and their cultures," he said afterward. "If, at the same time, they also pick up an instrument, that's cool too."
"We love to bridge boundaries," said David Bradley, co-founder of the music program. "And our 'Bridge Sessions' allow students, many of whom don't have music programs in their schools, to see how music can express different ideas, help us understand people."