Michael Giacchino Goes Back to School, Inspiring Providencia Elementary Kids

Michael Giacchino Goes Back to School for Education Through Music–LA, Inspiring Students at Burbank’s Providencia Elementary

(BURBANK, CA)  On Tuesday morning, Academy Award-Winning Composer and Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA) Advisory Board Member, Michael Giacchino went back to elementary school, joining a violin class (his first ever!) and spending time with all 4th and 5th graders at Burbank's Providencia Elementary School to discuss his career writing music in Hollywood and to inspire young music students to follow their dreams whatever they may be.

Best known for his exciting scores for major box office hits and top TV shows like Mission Impossible IV, The Incredibles and UP (for which he won an Academy Award in 2009), Giacchino accomplished the first mission of this auspicious day – learning to play the violin along with other 5^th graders. He lit up the class with his natural wit and humor as he kept up with the students on their rhythmic exercises and Twinkle variations.

The second mission found him in the auditorium with all 150 4^th and 5^th graders.  With the help of clips from his acclaimed Disney/Pixar films Up and Cars 2, Michael playfully shared what it takes to make movie magic happen.  On his role as a composer, Giacchino shared how important communication is: “It’s so important to be clear about what you’re feeling…Music is a guide for your emotions.  I have to tailor my music to fit the scene perfectly.”  He presented two versions of a cue from Up and engaged the students in a discussion about which musical arrangement truly expressed the meaning behind the scene.  Giacchino also invited studio flutist, Bobby Shugold to play cues from Up as the students commented on what feelings they experienced when the music was played differently each time.

The students were captivated and inspired, as well as curious about all aspects of Giacchino’s life.   When asked, “Do you hang out with celebrities?” - Giacchino joked, “Yeah…Tom Cruise is waiting in the car.  I’ve worked with a lot of people who are probably considered celebrities, but when I’m with them, we’re just people making a movie…we don’t really think of it that way.” Another student inquired, “How do you come up with all that music?”  Giacchino laughed, “They made me! The trick is, always make sure the job you take is something that will inspire you.”

Every student at Providencia Elementary School receives weekly, yearlong music education through the ETM-LA program.  Giacchino has long been an advocate for the importance of music in a child's education. Executive Director of ETM-LA, Victoria Lanier shared, “We are grateful to Michael for championing our mission.  All kids out there deserve to have music be a real and lasting part of their development and lives."

On a recent Good Morning America interview, Michael asserted, "Music and art aren't these frivolous extras that you get by going to school. They're a necessity. They're actually as big a part of learning as math and science."  From the smiles and joy on the kids’ faces, Giacchino’s visit was an inspiration to the entire Providencia community. Mission accomplished.

View Photos

#     #     #