As music programs disappear from public education, Grounded in Music helps provide children from the Boys and Girls Club with the opportunity to discover their musical passion and develop their skills.
At the newly opened studio in South Austin, where kids have access to state-of-the-art tools like a “super-charged” Mac Pro with recording software and a comprehensive curriculum on the ins and outs of the industry, board member and headliner at this year’s GIM benefit concert Patty Griffin answered a few quick questions.
Q: Is there anybody in particular from your past who stands out as someone that helped you and encouraged you to pursue music?
Yes, we called him Mr. Socier but it was actually Mr. Socier (“So-ci-ay”), I grew up in an Acadian-French community. He was the guy that told me, “Hey, you’re pretty good at this.” It was on the flute, too, I was playing the flute at the time. It was that moment in your life where you turn a corner and go in a certain direction.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you would try and impart to the students at the Boys & Girls Club about following their dreams?
Just try to enjoy it, and if you love it, do it.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of working with Grounded in Music?
Seeing the kids. I think I owe this to my community… I’ve benefited from the generosity of the people in my community where I grew up and I think I’m giving that back here in a little way.
