During April, which is Financial Literacy Month and National Arab American Heritage Month, Comerica Bank and the National Arab Orchestra have come together to present a special event known as Sounds by Numbers.
This innovative idea connects cultures and empowers students through the universal languages of music and numbers.
The program, presented to Dearborn High School students, combines the emotional resonance of Arab music with the pragmatism of financial education. Sounds by Numbers is a unique platform for financial and cultural education that is absorbable by students of diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
Taking place April 17, just after the holy month of Ramadan, the program emphasizes mindfulness and encourages students to approach financial decisions with the same intention, patience, and presence as musicians in performance.
Founded in 2009, the mission of the National Arab Orchestra is to preserve and integrate Arab culture by creating memorable musical experiences through education and performance with an emphasis on the musical traditions of the Arab world. The National Arab Orchestra is dedicated to new music initiatives that build a stronger community by creating opportunities for dialogue and cultural introspection.
The “Sounds By Numbers” collaboration allows for Comerica volunteers to bring real-world financial insights, demonstrating a commitment to education and community engagement. The unique collaboration serves as a pathway to bridge communities and offer a rare opportunity for cultural exchange and financial perspectives in ways that might not otherwise occur.
“The collaboration with Comerica has been brilliant, and working with Comerica’s volunteers has brought such a richness to this program,” says NAO Executive Director, Sherri Richards. “The students’ response has been overwhelming and because of this we are expanding into schools across the Detroit metro area.”
“The Sound of Numbers” is more than a financial literacy program; it’s an innovative idea connecting cultures and empowering students through the universal languages of music and numbers.
This initiative, born from a collaboration between the National Arab Orchestra (NAO) and Comerica Bank, addresses America’s urgent financial literacy gap which often leaves individuals in economic hardship. An equally necessary benefit of the program is the enhanced understanding of other cultures.
The lessons begin with the beautiful melodies from Michael Ibrahim’s Kresge Fellowship video. The emotive power of Arab music is then used as a metaphor for the complexities of financial literacy.
“Students participating in the Sound of Numbers program gain practical benefits that extend beyond traditional learning outcomes. They are exposed to and can learn foundational financial skills such as budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit and their credit scores, which are crucial for their future economic independence and stability,” explains Richards.
While this approach allows for the simultaneous confrontation of financial unawareness and cultural misunderstanding, it also serves as a testament to how understanding and empathy across cultures can be cultivated through the shared experience of music.
“The cultural elements of the program also provide them with a broader perspective of the world, promoting cultural appreciation and empathy,” said Richards. “Collectively, these experiences not only enrich their academic lives but also contribute to their personal growth and understanding of the world around them.”
Combining Comerica volunteers’ expertise with the NAO’s cultural depth, “The Sound of Numbers” is a pivotal moment for educational and community engagement. This transformative initiative by the NAO and Comerica Bank addresses the critical need for financial literacy and underscores the importance of cultural inclusivity and understanding. It’s a call to action to support a future where financial empowerment and cultural appreciation resonate harmoniously.
About Post Author
