I four questions Flo Robbins Paterni chats with Platinum. Before they can even read, doz- in music education from Eastern ens of youngsters in northwest Michigan University and a master's Detroit are learning to make in teaching from Marygrove College beautiful music — Thanks to in Detroit, says spreading the joy of FLO ROBBINS PATERNI. The music is her true passion, insist- 34-year veteran teacher in the ing parents attend her classes so Detroit Public Schools runs an they can learn to assist the chil- innovative program, teaching dren with practicing. The results children in kindergarten through often bring her to tears. "I grew eighth grade to play the violin by up in Detroit and went to Hebrew ear. Each week, she works with school on the same block where about 120 students at Pasteur, I'm teaching," she says. "I just feel Vernor, Schulze, Barbara Jordan so overwhelmed that I'm passing on and MacDowell Elementary schools. "Music is a to these children the same kind of enjoyment I got. discipline like none other," Patemi says. "It's self- Music is not just something you do; it's a part of satisfying, and the children also learn to play with a you." Here, we ask Flo Robbins Paterni our version group. They develop tremendous hearing abilities, of the Four Questions. — Robin Schwartz it makes them more appreciative of the arts and they wind up being better students overall." Paterni, who lives in West Bloomfield with her husband, Pat, and children, Lydia, 20, and Spencer, 16, plays professionally with various groups (she's played with performers such as Aretha Franklin, John Denver and Dionne Warwick) and has performed on several recordings. But this teacher, with a degree 1 WI-LAT BOOK, CD OR OTHER MEDIA WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE? I want to give my students the wonder- ful cultural experiences I had growing up. I have all of their parents' e-mail addresses, and I update them on local jazz and classical concerts. I get free tickets to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra when I can. We met my friend [jazz violinist] Regina Carter last school year at a special introductory con- cert at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. I want to share all of the MySpace and YouTube clips of famous violinists and violin groups, especially those of color. 2 WHICH JEWISH FIGURE WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE BRUNCH WITH? Leonard Bernstein. He was a prolific American Jewish composer and conduc- tor. I always admired his commitment to educating the public (especially chil- dren) about music at his Young People's Concert series. I also think I'd like to have brunch with Albert Einstein. We know he wasn't a good student. As a teacher, it's important to teach all chil- dren in the way they learn best. How did he manage to teach himself? What strategies did he use? 3 WHAT I S YOUR FAVORITE JEWISH FOOD? Is gazpacho from the Stage Deli a "Jewish food"? For Passover and Thanksgiving, my family meets at my house, and our family friend Ben Woznica brings his homemade gefilte fish and horseradish and the best brisket. I make my mom's apple-cake recipe, my bubbie's knaidlach (matzah balls) for my chicken soup and my Aunt Becki's Passover rolls. I guess it's the fellowship that makes the food so special. 4 WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I love to watch people — old people holding hands, moms kissing their babies, dads playing with their children, teachers hugging their students. I also wait every year for the swan family to parade down my canal with their new cygnets. I cry every year. the Henyy Ford Here your child is not only celebrated, but also inspired. Have an extraordinary event in a place honored as the "Most Unique Venue" at the Michigan Meetings & Events Best of Industry Awards in both 2007 and 2008. We invite you to write your own chapter of history at a place where legends have walked. Henry Ford Museum® Lovett Hall Greenfield VWage® 3 1 3 . 9 8 2 . 6 2 2 0 www,ThelienryFord,org/catering Kosher Catering by Paul Kohn, Quality Kosher Catering B 2 6 • AUGUST zoos • JN platinum 1371620