Show 18: The Value of Music

IN-STUDIO GUESTS: Music is good for the brain and it's good for the soul, that's why this week we're celebrating all things musical on Kids These Days! Frank Hauser, Director of the Music Department at the Anchorage School District will share how the schools are teaching music and the many ways children can be involved in learning and playing throughout their school years. Mary Schallert, longtime teacher and founder of Alaska City Folk Arts camp fills us in on the community music scene and explains the many side benefits of music education like increasing a child's confidence and providing an outlet for self-expression.

Sprinkled throughout today's program we heard music by three local, teenage bands - two of which are now grown up (The Emeralds, Evergreen) and one of which you can still catch playing around Anchorage - The Asteroids.

FEATURED STORIES: The family that plays together, stays together in the case of one local musical family. The four Brubaker kids and their dad performed at the Anchorage Folk Festival this past weekend with Ryan, Maya and Neena on violin, and Carter and dad Michael on guitar. Contributor Jessica Cochran visited them at their home to find out how – and why – they became such a musical family.

You will very likely be hearing about "Selah Rees from Alaska" in the music news within the next few years. This talented young musician is currently recording her first album and getting ready to head off to college. Before she goes to make her mark in the world she stopped by to share an original song, tell us about the teacher who originally inspired her and explain what music means to her.

AKontheGo mom, Erin Kirkland, shares her picks for getting out and about to experience the best of Alaska's music - including the free Anchorage Folk Festival which is going on until January 30th.

COMMUNITY MUSIC LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Alaska Children's Choir
• The Music Machine - Summer musical theater workshop
• Alaska String Camps
• Suzuki Association of Southcentral Alaska
• Alaska Jazz Workshop
• Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
• Anchorage Community Concert Band
• Anchorage Symphony Orchestra for Young People
• Alaska Folk Arts Camp
• Anchorage Folk Festival
• Alaska Folk Festival (in Juneau)

Music Stores - rent or buy instruments, private lessons, etc.

• Alaska Music & Sound (Horn Doctor)
• Mammoth Music
• The Music Man
• Petr's Violin Shop
• Anchorage Guitar Centre

Have a comment about this show? Leave it below! Do you want to share a children's or family music event in the community? Contact us and we'll add it to our calendar.