Some people march to a different drummer. Others need the entire band. Everyday hero Sara Flatow believes it's the music that matters.
Sara Flatow is a Hollywood producer who grew up in central Florida and still spends much of her time here. Being in band throughout school helped guide her in life and career but she didn't realize the full impact until she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Everything from the breathing that we would do in band to the leadership opportunities I had and working with my medical team to the love support I got from my band friends,” said Flatow.
That’s what brought her to a production at Lake Brantley High School.
“So I wanted to do, again, an intimate, personal entertaining look at what music education is all about.”
Sara is crowdsourcing funds for the Marching Beyond Halftime documentary project which will feature not only bands, students and directors but people from all walks of life who have been influenced by the power of music education.
“Now the emphasis is on the core subjects and passing the tests and so there is a whole element of creativity and leadership building and community building, I mean, there is nothing more community building than playing music with people,” said Flatow.
With music programs falling to budget cut nationwide, one goal is to get the finished documentary into the hands of every member of congress. She believes people need to recognize music as a valuable investment.
“I remember the first time I saw the lake Brantley band after I had been thru all the surgeries and cancer treatment and it was just like soothing to my soul,” said Flatow.
Studies have shown that schools with music programs have higher attendance and graduation rates.