Husky Gang Teaches Values, Love of Music
December 16, 2002 by Maria Guerrero of Miami Herald

Teaching important life lessons and values while developing their appreciation of music comes naturally to four huskies and a cat in the children's book, "The Husky Gang Tales. The book is the fourth by authors, Phyllis Sdoia-Satz & Barry Satz of the Sdoia-Satz Music Institute in North Miami. The couple teaches music with the help of their charismatic pets. ♫

"This is the first of four books that's an activity book, so that any kid can like it without liking music", said Sdoia-Satz. "We want kids to love the stories, and be entertained by the songs." ♫

In the book, children can follow the adventures of the Husky Gang, four lovable dogs named Sam, Stormy, Sheba and Sabrina, and a spunky Siamese cat named Sharon. The stories are set in the Husky Gang Music School and village, and teach kids such values as acceptance, respect for others and above all creativity.  ♫

The book comes complete with activities and a CD with music that goes along with each story in the book.  The songs affirm the values the Husky Gang wants kids to learn. ♫

For example, The Power of Hope tells children to have courage and believe in themselves and their potential. In Don't Be Afraid of Me, kids are encouraged to accept people who are different. ♫

The couple said they hope children will listen to the music and read the book and learn how to look at the world in a different way. "It's our point to be campy", Phyllis said. The world is too darned sophisticated and bla-se. We want kids to know there is hope out there and they can make a difference. Maybe we all need to have that attitude." ♫

The couple incorporates Husky Gang attitudes into their teaching at the school. They say students love their pets and look forward to learning because of them.  They believe children can be taught as early as 18 months by incorporating things that make learning music fun.  "I want to tune them in and turn them on," said Sdoia-Satz. "The kids love the animals because they go everywhere and do everything." ♫

Hortense Grimsley, whose three grandchildren study at the Sdoia-Satz Music Institute, swears by the Husky Gang method. Her grandchildren -- Denzel Hepburn, Glenese and Glenn Lanes are learning piano with the Husky Gang School and she said she has seen marked improvement each time they have a lesson. ♫

"I have never seen kids learn anything so fast", said Grimsley, who puts her kids to bed each night to the tunes of the Husky Gang CD. "They practice and they improve. It's amazing!"  ♫

Seven year old Denzel has already learned how to read music and plays piano with both hands." ♫