MEDIA CONTACT: Terri Berns

561-297-1164, tberns@fau.edu

FAU Libraries Presents “Klezmer Does the Blues,” a Multi-Cultural Music Program for Public Schools

Educational Outreach Program Features Ethnic Music from Europe, the Mediterranean and the Americas

            BOCA RATON, FL (April 14, 2006) Florida Atlantic University Libraries’ music educational outreach program presents “Klezmer Does the Blues,” a multi-cultural celebration of ethnic music from Europe, the Mediterranean and the Americas.  Musical programs will be presented by members of the Klezmer Company Orchestra at Northeast High School in Oakland Park on Monday, April 24 and at A.D. Henderson University School on the FAU campus in Boca Raton on Tuesday, April 25.  Kitty Oliver, oral historian and vocalist, will be a guest at the April 24 program.

Aaron Kula, director of music collections at FAU Libraries and conductor of the Klezmer Company Orchestra, Florida Atlantic University Libraries’ professional ensemble-in-residence, has created the musical and educational program, featuring an ethno-jazz ensemble made up of accordion, violin, clarinet, trumpet, bass and percussion.  Klezmer music refers to instrumental music performed for secular celebrations at Jewish and non-Jewish affairs.  It has musical characteristics that relate to people from various ethnic backgrounds, suggesting the extent to which Jewish music is world music. 

Most of the selections for these programs are taken from FAU Libraries’ Special Collections, which have historical significance and reflect the cultural synthesis common to Jewish nomadic musicians.  The performance partnership of Oliver, who is Black, and Kula, who is Jewish, offers a retrospective view of life experiences and common struggles shared by both cultures.

“The juxtaposition of these different cultures through narration and music tells a powerful story of shared human experiences,” said Kula.

The programs will consist of a concert style format with introductory remarks to each composition.  Kula will talk about the history, geography and character of the music, as well as the role each instrument plays within the ensemble.  Students will be encouraged to respond to questions and to ask questions of their own pertaining to the music, preparation and technical aspects of playing an instrument.

“We are so excited about the concert, as it truly reinforces part of our mission as a lab school and the attention to diversity,” said Dr. Marla Lee Brady, principal of A.D. Henderson school.  “What a wonderful way for students to experience the joy of music and celebrate diversity while learning about cultural differences, tolerance and the need to grow responsibly in a global world.”

The project is funded by the Bess Myerson Music Education and Performance Fund at FAU Libraries.  The goal of this educational outreach program is to expose pre-college age students to music through live performance and to supplement school curriculum with unique programming that teaches multiculturalism through the arts.

For additional information, contact Aaron Kula at akula@fau.edu or 561-297 3742.

– FAU –