The power of music and arts education is not only extraordinary, but can bring a sense of community, and be a source of hope and healing during hard times. That's why producers John Legend, Mike Jackson, and director Amy Schatz captured the remarkable work of 10th grade students at Philadelphia's Hill-Freedman World Academy in the HBO Original documentary Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School.
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When asked why Philadelphia in particular, why these kids and why this school, John explained "Philly is such an important musical center in this country.” Adding, “So many great musicians have been raised in this city. There's so much soul here, there's so much music here, but there's also a lot of kids facing challenges in life, and I think the power of this film, the power of this story, and the power of this school is that it gives these kids who are facing challenges in life a way to be creative - a way to use music as a way of lifting them up. And I think it’s so beautiful that Amy was able to capture their story.”
"It’s also important to acknowledge musical education in schools, and the fact that they’re being defunded nationally,” Mike added. “This is an opportunity for the audience to see from the inside out how these programs work, how they impact young lives.”
A required course, regardless of musical experience, the class provides a creative outlet and a chance to come together. The doc captures the students at the Academy working together with local musicians to create an album of powerful, original songs that convey both the challenging times they are living in and the joy that music brings.
“It’s not like these kids are musicians and they’re going into a music class,” Amy noted. “One of the beautiful things about working there, the kids originally came in post-pandemic, sort of shy, insecure, feeling like they really didn’t want to participate. And then by the end, this magic happened where they found their voices, they gained confidence and they really worked so beautifully together. And I think that’s one of the things that music does.”
During another stop on their promotion tour, the trio answered some more questions about the film and experience of capturing the class.
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Pointing out what he finds interesting thing about the required course, John shared that even if the students “don't consider themselves musicians” or “don't think of themselves as someone who's going to go on and make music in the future,” taking part in the class “shows that anybody can be creative.”
“Anybody has a story to tell,” he continued, “and even if you may not be able to carry a tune, you could have a story to tell that could influence your lyrics and help you express yourself, and everybody has something within them."
Check out the interviews with John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Amy Schatz above