Students discover world in music
By Gina Gutierrez

Noted musician and educator John Zeretzke is sharing his knowledge of music and music history with fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders at San Antonio and Summit schools.
Students are participating in "A World of Music," a program sponsored by the Ojai Music Festival that provides students with weekly music education workshops as part of their social studies curriculum.
During Zeretzke's workshops, students are learning about a variety of instruments and songs, as well as a considerable amount of history and culture from the Chumash nation, the California Gold Rush, and the region of West Africa. As part of their study, students have created such instruments as a Chumash clapstick, rhythmic spoons, and a West African flute. "A World of Music" is a 12-week program that continues through Feb. 14.
"This is a wonderful combination of academics and the arts," said Ojai Festival music education director Tim Pompey. "It puts history and music together, demonstrating how important art is in our society."
"A World of Music" is one component of the Ojai Music Festival's Bravo! education program, funded in part by the California Arts Council and other prominent supporters including the city of Ojai, the Looker Foundation, E.J. Harrison and Sons, the Wallis Foundation, and the Mericos Foundation, as well as the Ojai Festival Women's Committee.
For more information on the Ojai Music Festival education program, call 646-2094, Ext. 103, or visit ojaifestival.org.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

Back to the news