In our fifth episode of the EsF Assembly 2018 Podcasts, neuroscientist Dr Adele Diamond shares her research on the link between creativity and brain development. She introduces the El Sistema music initiative aimed at uniting the community and helping children by means of music. Children who struggle academically get more motivated and active while playing an instrument. This observation underlies The Recycled Orchestra concept, where children play musical instruments made from scrap materials. Adele also speaks about the Youth Circus where children are expressing themselves regardless of their age, gender, body type, race, experience or skill through the art of circus. Another initiative, Quat Props centres around juggling that is accessible to all. Moving the art of juggling from a vertical plane to a horizontal plane allows anyone to experience juggling which has many benefits overall, specifically when building neurological pathways. In conclusion, Adele puts a finishing touch to her brilliant speech by discussing ways to strengthen and exercise the executive functions of inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility and enumerates the factors that have negative effects on executive functions.

This already musical episode features a beautiful bonus song presented by the amazing Kuyasa Kids from Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Music:

"Raro Bueno" by Chuzausen From the Free Music Archive

BY NC SA