After the performance, the audience had a chance to ask questions to the musicians, with Mohammed Harba, instructor of Arabic, translating. Q: What scale/harmony system do you base your music off of? A: A completely different system, nothing like the one they use it here. [Instead of having 8 notes in one scale], we have a 24-note system. We do follow some features of Western music, but we have our own style. Q: Why do you play your violin and viola on your knees? A: That’s like asking you why you put your viola on your neck! Q: Your music sounds a lot like the flamenco dance music. Do you usually accompany dancers with the music? A: Our music is very classical [and] traditional. We have a lot of pride in our music. Flamenco is more popular in folk, not something that people do overtime. No, there is no dancing. Q: Why do you target western audiences? A: Our music is essential [in] learning our history and society. We feel that our music has a major value on our society. Not a lot of people know about our music and history, but music can show the positive aspects of our community. We want to make our voices heard, and introduce it to the people who have never heard them. Q: Who is your favorite American musician? A: Celine Dion!!
