Classical composer Jerod Tate, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, spends every summer helping Chickasaw kids write their own music.

Tate teaches composition at the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy. Chickasaw students as young as 12 spend two weeks writing a three-minute piece that is performed by a string quartet.

"They shock themselves with how well they did", Tate tells The Oklahoman.

Tate's own Indian-themed works have been performed by the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C..

Get the Story:
Chickasaw composer helps kids hear own music (The Oklahoman 6/19)
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Relevant Links:
Jerod Tate - http://www.taloaproductions.com
Chickasaw Nation - http://www.chickasaw.net