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Band of Brothers fundraising around the world
Twelve-year-old Amil Dravid practices on drums, while his 16-year-old brother Avi Dravid plays guitar inside of their Highland Park home. The duo are in a band called Band of Brothers and are fundraising for the Glenbrook South High School Debate Club. |
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Updated: February 19, 2013 11:38AM
GLENVIEW — For many summers Avi Dravid of Glenview has raised money for students with his music, but not in the United States.
Instead, on family visits to India he has performed for underprivileged school children at the Rotary Education Society in Malakapur, Karad, a small village near Bombay.
His brother, Amil, played guitar at the school this past summer, and together the duo is called Band of Brothers.
“We were very impressed when (Avi) said that music is the common language across different societies,” wrote Rotary Secretary Vilasrao Patil in a school newsletter.
“Music has the power to bring people together. We agree.”
Patil said the funds would support scholarships in several academic areas, as well as sports.
“Rest of the funds will be used for helping promising, needy, and handicapped students for their full year of supplies,” Patil said.
Back home, the Band of Brothers and friends will stage a music fundraiser on Friday night for the Glenbrook South High School Debate Club, of which Avi is a member.
“I’d like to give back to the team so they can experience debate trips. I’m happy to use music for a good cause,” said Avi, a sophomore who plays clarinet, piano and guitar.
“The Debate Club gives me different perspectives of the world from which I can see in terms of politics and social economics.
The fundraiser is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Potbelly Sandwich Shop, 984 Willow Road, Northbrook.
Brother Amil, 12, attends Attea Middle School and plays guitar, drums, piano and saxophone.
They both take lessons at North Shore Music Institute in Northfield.
“We sometimes make our own music. My dad likes Hindi music, which has been an influence on us,” Amil said.
“We might use an exotic beat or an unusual chord progression and incorporate them into our rock ‘n’ roll or hard rock.”
On the school shows in India, Avi said young audiences “don’t jump around and shout like in America.”
“It’s a very different culture in India. They sit in rows and just listen. No jumping. They really don’t get to hear rock ‘n’ roll or learn much about American culture,” he said.
“At the beginning they were confused by our music, but grew to accept it.”
The band Wavelength will also perform at Friday’s fundraiser.
