Making of the “The Band”: a project for children established in David Z’s memory
David Z Modern Musician Program was created for the purpose of providing young musicians with the necessary tools to design and actualize their unique artistic backgrounds through a mixture of private lessons, weekly band practice (The Band) and a school-year-long training of music industry and marketing essentials (Musician’s Workshop). The fund will support young artists enrolled at the Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts during the 2018-19 school year, with scholarships up to 50% on all three subjects.
A Brooklyn College graduate, David Z was known for his unique mix of professionalism and childlike wonder. He left this world too soon. David managed to succeed in the music industry through sheer discipline, hard work, and an unwavering positive attitude – not to mention tremendous talent. He also loved education and sharing his knowledge with anyone who was willing to learn. These are just some of the many traits that inspired his older brother and bandmate, Paulie Z, to initiate and fund the David Z Modern Musician Program at the Prep Center. Below is a short interview conducted with Paulie.
It looks like you were able to raise funds for the “David Z Modern Musician Program” in a matter of weeks. What made people care, and give to this project?
Paulie Z: We first did two tribute shows—one in LA, and one in NY, a couple of weeks after David passed. I had the idea to set up a fund in his name but wasn’t yet clear on exactly what I was going to do. We then did some concerts just to raise money for the program. We had a lot of support from friends and family, from fans; people who really loved David. We set up a GoFundMe page, and the word got out via social media.
There are countless ways to give back to the community. Why children’s education?
Paulie Z: Well, my brother and I were both educators. We were educators by day and rock musicians by night. We started out doing children’s programs in Brooklyn, functions, private children’s parties. We put out CDs for kids, did programs around the world. We even had a television program! It was a very organic thing. Our father was a teacher, so that also influenced us.
How do you feel this program will help a child who is drawn to popular genres of music?
Paulie Z: The goal of the program is to offer kids an opportunity to gain the tools and information needed to build a sustainable and successful career as professional musicians, and to nurture that fire that drew them to music in the first place. I want to prepare them for the real world and still protect the “spark” that inspires them.
You can contact the Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts for further information regarding the David Z Modern Musician Program, or other Prep Center classes in music, dance, theater, and filmmaking.
Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts
Tel.:718.951.4111
www.BCPrepCenter.org
bcpc@brooklyn.cuny.edu
This post was provided by Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts. If you would like to reach our readers, please contact us.