Available for viewing below, "Play" is a two-part mini-documentary, directed by Dave Grohl, celebrating the rewards and challenges of dedicating one's life to playing music. Part one opens with narrated behind the scenes discussion of the love of playing music and the lifelong relationship with an instrument — as well as the process and challenges of recording and filming this unique performance. The "Play" film then segues to the titular 23-minute, one-man-band instrumental recording on which Grohl plays all seven instruments on the track, all live. The entire song was played by Grohl, each time on a different instrument, live all the way through for 23 minutes. Visit play.roswellfilms.com for an interactive "Play" experience. Explore "Play" by choosing which audio and video you'd like to experience. Hover over "Choose Video" and click to select to view only one instrument. Once you do that, you can also hover over "Choose Audio" to listen to the isolated track of the instrument you are watching or the complete master audio. You can go back to the complete master performance video, or toggle between individual instruments and audio at any time. Download sheet music and find a growing directory of organizations who support music education. Filmed in classic black and white by Brandon Trost ("The Disaster Artist", "This Is The End"), with lighting modulating to match the dramatic peaks and valleys of this epic instrumental, "Play" was then edited to feature seven Grohl's recordings together. The "Play" online interactive experience offers viewer/listener/participants the options of taking in the mini-doc and Grohl performance as is, focusing on one instrument, and/or downloading "Play" sheet music. The online version of "Play" also includes a list of organizations where time, money and instruments can be donated to the cause — and places where musicians young and old alike can have the opportunity to play live music. The challenges Grohl created for himself in creating "Play" mirror those taken on by music students every day: The obstacles they face in their daily efforts to elevate and improve their abilities are no different than those faced by a world class stadium rocker — both are striving for the same goals. This shared quest gave "Play" its mission to inspire and promote music education: The film is intercut with young musicians from the Join The Band music school in the San Fernando Valley practicing their craft, working relentlessly to get it right, and always coming back to the conclusion that, in Grohl's words, "'just like any kid, the reward is just to PLAY." Through partnerships with music and media organizations, schools and charities the world over, "Play" and its portrait of the joy of playing music should be a catalyst for discussion and action to benefit music education on a global level. Keep your eyes on play.roswellfilms.com for information on upcoming auctions with proceeds benefiting local music education organizations. Photo credit: Andrew Stuart
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