Atlanta, Georgia – App developer, Wasabi Productions is proud to announce the launch of new storybook, Gorilla Band, and its support for American not-for-profit VH1 Save the Music Foundation. Ten percent of proceeds from app sales will go to benefit the charity’s work in restoring instrumental music education programs in America’s public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education (through December 31, 2013).
Music is widely regarded as an important part of a well-rounded education, and actually helps with skills in literacy, “discriminating sounds fosters phonological awareness, or awareness of the sound structure of language – an important emergent literacy skill .” (Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence and Teacher Handbook).
Music is also thought to enhance the process of learning. The systems it nourishes, which include our integrated sensory, attention, cognitive, emotional and motor capacities, are shown to be the driving forces behind all other learning (Konrad, Empathy, Arts and Social Studies).
“We are grateful to Wasabi Productions for their generous support of our cause,” said Paul Cothran, Vice President and Executive Director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. “It is exciting to see how technology can further complement education and help students develop their appreciation for music.”
Gorilla Band places the reader at the center of the story, unfolding through their interaction, and takes place in a dynamic and dazzling 3D jungle set. It comes complete with original animations, a myriad of originally scored instrumental tracks, 2 songs, a dance and an educational studio where readers can learn to identify instruments by sound and name.
The storybook introduces gorillas at Jungle Music School learning piano and violin, and after a serendipitous exposure to tunes from other rock star jungle musicians, sees them enthusiastically form a band and write a song with everything from Drums to Double Bass.
Graham Nunn, Creative Director for Wasabi says, “At its heart Gorilla Band is a memorable story with a strong moral outtake, and it gives families and schools the ability to expose children to music with authenticity and ease”. It also helps with early literacy through word highlighting and rhyme as well as listening and comprehension skills.
Device Requirements:
* iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch and iPad
* Requires iOS 4.0 or later
* 62.7 MB
Pricing and Availability:
Gorilla Band 1.2 is the fifth book app from Wasabi and is available as a universal app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch for $3.99 USD (Educational institutions discount applies through iTunes). It comes complete with original animations, a myriad of originally scored instrumental tracks, 2 songs and an educational studio. Launching soon on Google Play and Kindle store for Android. Special launch pricing of $0.99.
Gorilla Band 1.2
Purchase and Download
VH1 Save The Music Foundation
Screenshot (Gorilla Band Cover)
Screenshot (Gorilla Band Page 3)
App Icon
Wasabi Productions is an independent publisher of original, high-quality storybook apps designed for pre-schoolers and touch screen technology. The company was born in Australia, and one of the first publishers of interactive children’s books for the iPad. Wasabi focuses on reimagining storybooks for the digital age, and entertaining young kids with tales of memorable characters where their interaction is central. The books contain moral and social outtakes, and together with text highlighting and educational elements, contribute positively to early readers’ development. Wasabi apps have received critical acclaim and the developer is one of the founding members of the Moms With Apps ‘Know What’s Inside’ initiative to protect children’s privacy in apps. All Material and Software (C) Copyright 2013 Wasabi Productions. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other trademarks and registered trademarks may be the property of their respective owners.
