Beyond the Music

Music can make a powerful impact on a child’s life. Every day phenomenal work is being done throughout the world by thousands of children in El Sistema inspired music programs. Soundscapes in Newport News, Virginia USA is one of these programs building transformational life skills in those who need access the most.

At Soundscapes, at the I am the Program Manager and a Teaching Artist. I envisioned that our message could be strengthened and presented in an informative and emotionally moving format, so I decided to make a short documentary. After 10 months of shooting footage on borrowed cameras, and training myself on each one with limited time, I’m proud to share “Beyond the Music: Soundscapes, El Sistema and the Proven Power of Music” is a ten minute film about Soundscapes.

I invite you to watch and share the film. It is the story of one program, but really it is the story of many El Sistema inspired programs throughout the United States. I am excited to share it with you, and I am proud to have created a piece that is useful in explaining the role of music, not only as a form of entertainment and enjoyment, but also as a social tool, as we continue our mission to create opportunity for as many as possible.

Produced and Directed: Joe Hamm

Written: Anne Henry and Joe Hamm

Animation: Rey Ramirez

Photography: Louis Fisher and Nate Fender (and others, credited in video)

Videography: Louis Fisher, Joe Hamm, MediaJack Films

Voiceover: Ahlon Kornegay provided through Vinylmint

Audio Post Production: Jacki Paolella

Special Thanks to: Paige Hamm, Noah Trevino, Giselle Tungol, Melissa Krizan, Eric Booth, Michael and Paula Hamm