Mateus Resende and his experience with music in the school environment
by Sophia Dompieri and Julia Jung
Mateus Resende is a student from the 9th grade at the international school Porto Seguro, in Valinhos, São Paulo. He studies in the bilingual curriculum (B), and he is passionate about culture, music and music instruments, that is why in the afternoon he takes part in the school's orchestra and also the school band called "B-side". The orchestra is a broad group, in which students from Middle School and also High School can participate. Since the band is something smaller, there are only people from the B Curriculum, since the 8th grade. In there, less instruments are needed, and there is only one person per instrument. Mateus' favorite instrument is the violin, in which he can amazingly play incredible songs. And, to go deeper into the subject, we asked him 7 questions related to the theme: music in the school environment. Here they are:
Is music important in the school environment?
Music helps in other subjects, such as Maths and in the learning process in general, in addition to teaching respect for the Arts. So, yes, it's very important.
Which are your biggest challenges?
The biggest challenges are the technique (depending on the instrument) and the different styles of music, which changes speed and ways of playing.
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Do you think the school should motivate students to take part in the band/orchestra?
I think so, because it is, besides very cool, very important for training a child. It contributes to psychomotor, socio-affective, cognitive and linguistic development and, as already mentioned, facilitates the learning process.
What do you think the school could do to give more recognition to the band/orchestra?
I think the school could invite the orchestra and the band to more events. In addition to providing good music lessons.
What do you like the most in participating in the band/orchestra?
I like to have a great repertoire with several styles of music, from classical to rock, that the orchestra and the band make available.
Who is your favorite artist and do you get inspired by him?
My favorite violinist is David Garrett, who is in the Guinness World Record as the fastest violin player. He is a huge inspiration for me and someday I hope I can be as talented as he is.
Do you want to be a professional violinist someday?
I really don't know if I want this to be my full time job, but I certainly want to keep practicing and improve everyday.