World War II Tales - a Time-Sensitive Memoir Recording Project Seeking WWII stories to Preserve Family Memories and Educate Future Generations

A Glenview-based Terra Sounds School of Music & Arts continues to pursue meaningful community initiatives with its recent “Tikkun Fellowship Grant”, awarded to Matvey Kostukovsky, co-founder, and his sister Inna Kostukovsky by Jewish United Fund (JUF).  With this grant, Terra Sounds will compile an archive of memoirs of WWII witnesses and survivors and showcase memories from different perspectives - be it from someone who was forced to evacuate their home, received letters from the front line, or survived living in Nazi-occupied territory. The diversity of memoirs and people who experienced and lived through World War II is immense and time is of the essence.

The diverse perspectives of everyone involved in World War II --- children, women, men, civilians, survivors, widows, and soldiers --- all offer a different story that demonstrates this important period in history. With Europe celebrating Victory Day on May 8-9, marking the capitulation of Nazi Germany, Terra Sounds’ impending project will not only create a permanent and accessible memorial to families, but educate and inform younger generations for years to come.

“It’s extremely important to educate the public, and the best way to do that is through story telling,” Aleks Romanenko, President and Co-Founder at Terra Sounds made note, “These stories will live on for years and will continually serve as reminders and testimonies to future generations.”

With each passing year, fewer WWII survivors are able to share their memories. "We know that time is not on our side," Matvey Kostukovsky, Co-Founder and Music Instructor explains, "But the hardships, the touching tales, the genocide, and destruction is something that we must keep in remembrance. The stories we are gathering would honor those who lived through World War II and give a greater understanding to those who listen.  Furthermore, we are lucky to be in a position to create these recordings with some of the highest-quality audio equipment available.  I think the importance of these particular memoirs commands and requires a certain level of professionalism and attention to detail."

Community members are encouraged to speak to their loved ones who lived through these difficult times, as World War II memories can be found among all immigrants and walks of life, from Eastern Europe to West, from those who aided Jewish survivors to those who went into hiding. Terra Sounds urges community members and families to come forward so that these stories can be collected when time is of the greatest essence. Beyond recording memoirs for family memories, Terra Sounds plans to include these stories in greater projects to come.

About Terra Sounds School of Music and Arts:
Terra Sounds is a new concept of dynamic education in music and creative arts for kids, teens, and adults. The school’s faculty consists of some of the most prominent and talented musicians and artists in the Chicagoland area. From private lessons in music, arts, and languages to multi- disciplinary group classes, jam sessions and recording services, the Terra Sounds experience inspires students of all levels to realize their full potential.

Media Contact:
Liliya Dikin
(847) 501.1284
liliya@terrasounds.com
http://www.terrasounds.com/
924 Waukegan Rd, Glenview, IL