Here’s how we happened to be at a concert in a school gym, listening to a concert being given by OPK [Other People’s Kids].
I saw that our friend Brian was following something called Sistema on Twitter. Curiosity led to website, led to news of the Friday concert at Parkdale Junior and Senior High School. Dr. Draw was the final draw. Danica and I were hooked.
First, Sistema is a GOOD thing. It teaches very young kids to play music, to work together, to practice hard, to have fun and to be sufficiently self-assured to face an audience. It also brings together communities of people with diverse backgrounds and cultures… proud parents, dedicated teachers and supportive politicians. You know, Bob Rae was in the audience.
The biggest thrill for me was the sound those kids put together, drumming on upturned plastic pails. Man they were coordinated! And the sound shook the rafters. Teacher Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo led them on his drum and showed his leadership skill by gracefully inducing even the audience to clap along in time.
When Dr. Draw appeared to close the show, he and Mr. Hidalgo joined forces and brewed up a wickedly energetic performance, a dialogue between the Doctor’s famous painted violin and Mr Hidalgo’s rapid-fire drum.
All together, a feel-good experience. Glad we went.