ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2015, Volume 16 | Page 164

DR: Our goal is to insert our program sites in neighborhoods where there is a lack of high-quality youth orchestras and choirs. The children in these communities are musically underserved, so this is what we mean by underserved. In Atlanta these musically underserved communities tend to be poor and minority communities, however we welcome any child that is willing to commit to attending all our classes, which are rigorous. We’ve had amazing success with and love seeing our diverse student body pulling together through music to do something. When kids lead the way doing extraordinary things, it creates something special for their parents, families and communities. KP: Let’s cross the threshold together…the program “Knock Knock Live”—please share with our readers what that experience was like—along with some details of what the show presented to AMP—and how they have impacted the organization. DR: Knock Knock Live was completely surreal. The producers conspired with our board, staff, teaching artists, students, parents, and even my girlfriend, to have Common (one of my favorite artists) surprise me at an AMP rehearsal. I knew nothing about it. There was a knock at the door, I answered and there was Common and a bunch of cameras! Crazy. And then Common presented us with a van to transport our students, a bunch of new instruments and $50,000! Then he performed his Oscarwinning hit