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Legendary Musician, Jazz and Classical Music Composer David Amram Visits Denver Academy
DENVER (Feb. 11, 2020) – Denver Academy (DA), an independent school serving diverse learners in grades 1-12, was the lucky recipient of a visit from musician and composer, David Amram. Touted by the Boston Globe as, “The Renaissance Man of American Music,” and by Wynton Marsalis as, “A Godsend to those who believe in the power of music to change lives and inspire,” Amram visited and presented to Denver Academy High School students on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.
The musician explained that he has his degree in “hangoutology” having traveled the world spending countless hours “hanging out and learning from musicians better than him.” Amram shared his experiences and advice for life which included playing and sharing stories about the numerous flutes and whistles, percussion, and folkloric instruments from 25 countries which he has mastered over nearly seven decades as a professional musician. The students joined him in interactive music-making while Amram played one of his world percussion instruments and shared stories that ranged from performing with jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie to the Philadelphia Orchestra. He left the students with the parting words, “If it's not fun, it's not music! Enjoy yourself and don’t be discouraged by what others say. Hang out with somebody else!”
This marks the third time that David Amram has visited Denver Academy and is part of the school’s approach designed to address multiple learning styles and utilize art, technology and hands-on projects withengaged learning. Find out more about Denver Academy’s approach to teaching and learning here.
“We are grateful for David’s inspiring visits over the years,” said Denver Academy Director of Education Philippe Ernewein. “The students are fascinated by his stories and the instruments he has collected from around the world, all of which he can play masterfully. David is an extraordinary inspiration and an example of what is possible for our students. He is the living embodiment of multiple intelligences and commitment to practice and collaboration.”
Denver Academy extends its thanks to DA alumni parent, David Spira, president of the Music Appreciation Society and CEO of Kew Realty,for his support and partnership in bringing David Amram to Denver Academy.
About David Amram
After serving in the U.S. Army from 1952-54, David Amram began his life as a professional musician in 1955. Since then, he has composed many memorable scores for film, theatre and opera, more than 110 orchestral and chamber music works, and has conducted more than 75 of the world’s great symphony orchestras. As the progenitor of `world music,’ he is also revered as a celebrated master of Jazz, Latin, pan-African and pan-European, Russian, Celtic, Middle Eastern and Jewish, Indian and Pakistani, Bluegrass, Country, Native American and global folk music. David Amram has received multiple lifetime achievement awards and was the subject of a feature length film documentary. Amram is the author of three memoirs with his fourth book, “David Amram: The Next 80 Years,” to be published in November 2020, celebrating his 90th birthday. Find out more at www.davidamram.com.
About Denver Academy
Founded in 1972, Denver Academy believes that students thrive when taught in the way they learn best. DA is one of the top schools in the nation dedicated to teaching diverse learners, including those with dyslexia and ADD/ADHD. DA’s innovative, proven learning model is based on the balanced application of classroom management, information processing, and academic literacy. Small class sizes of 12-14 students facilitate student-centered differentiated instruction. Flexible placement and several academic levels within each core subject, including honors classes and advanced coursework, allow faculty to teach to each student’s optimal level. For more information, visit www.denveracademy.org.
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Main/Attendance: 303.777.5870
Admissions: 303.777.5161
General: info@denveracademy.org
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Denver Academy is an independent private school for grades 2-12 located in Denver, CO. DA inspires and empowers a diverse group of learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education.
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