(PNAN-NY) – A fresh, dynamic group of musicians has emerged to create a new angle on classical music and storytelling, making the art of music-telling stories a delightful learning experience for the young and old.
Imani, Swahili for “faith” was started in 1997 by five talented young adults, eager to share their passion of classical music and others through their mastered instruments. A flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and French horn all come together to form a symphony of sound in this wind quintet.
In addition to popular concerts that lead the group around the country, their recorded music has earned them recognition and a recent nomination in the 2006 Grammy Award in the Best Classical Crossover Album category for their CD. “The Classical Underground” is a unique blend of classical, world and a tinge of jazz music that you can’t hear anywhere else.
By far though, the group’s Outreach Program holds an educational format surpassing those of conventional methods all of which have been composed and screen played by members of the group.
Music is Fun! introduces each instrument played by the group through an interactive, exciting hands-on opening. How Jeff Got His Groove Back is a theatre piece where instruments and music are used as vital parts of the telling of the story. Musical Journey Around the World displays classical and world music pieces for wind quintet and weaves challenging activities into the program. Thinking Outside the Box and Chamber Music Coaching are a couple more of the knowledgeable and fun programs that the Imani Winds has perfected in teaching others about classic and cultural music as an art.
For a different and exciting presentation to chamber music and story-telling as you have never known, see www.imaniwinds.com.
(Source: Limited editing of this first published AAPJ 2006 Vol. 18 No. 1, Spring-Summer print edition)