By promoting this American multi-cultural music to youth, we motivate students to study music, understand basic math and numbers, and speak and write English well. Our music is understandable, using simple three-chord progressions that are the basis for most song construction in Western music. We explain the interconnection of counting and math in popular music; the history and literature behind the composition of song lyrics is emphasized. At our concerts, we explicitly cover the basic tenets of the new CA/LAUSD Standards, including nearly 100% of the history and theory standards. Signs are held up for reference.
Some new songs are improvised on the spot, with students who may have never done so before—by singing, rapping “free-style” or “flow,” and playing their own or our instruments. One-on-one encounters foster understanding of jazz and the blues, and the connection to current popular music styles. The ensemble members often mention the benefits of continuing in school.