It wasn't the Final Four, but it took place on a basketball court. It wasn't the Fab Four, but it was the fabulous three brothers who make up the international music sensation called Hanson.

Isaac, Taylor, and Zachary Hanson took to the basket ball court in an elementary school for their June 27, 1998 VH-1 Storytellers-"Save the Music" special.

The gymnasium was filled with 200 students and staff, anxious to hear the group perform and to answer their questions.

Ike, Tay, and Zac introduced their Storytellers with a shortened version of a single from their CD, Middle of Nowhere, called "Where's the Love." It was obvious the group was comfortable in their surroundings and with their audience. Perhaps it all was reminiscent of gigs they had played early in their career in and around their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Zac sat himself down on a stool positioned between his brothers, Ike and Tay, for the Question and Answer sections of the show. The guys described how music has an all around impact on their education. When telling how music helps with reading, writing, and arithmatic, Zac joyfully declared that their song, "Minute Without You" was "the only song that helped us with math!" Tay explained to the audience that the band had put a twist on the number of minutes in a day, "1,440," to create the chorus of that song. Hanson then performed "Minute Without You" for the audience.

Another amusing moment came along when the guys spoke of the challenge of songwriting. As Tay simply put it, it is "to get a good song." Together they explained how you could write a song about just any thing. Zac and Tay began to sing about being on VH-1, which then prompted Zac to exclaim, a new song is "not always a good one."

Hanson was asked if any of today's music influenced them . They explained that they were indeed inspired by it. Tay asked for a show of hands for anyone who played music or wrote songs. He added that as a songwriter or musician, you couldn't help but be inspired or influenced "just a little bit" by any and all kinds of music you listen to.

When questioned how they had learned to play their instruments, the guys stressed that their classical piano lessons were perhaps the most important part in creating their musical career. They added that with their current choice of instruments they played it was definatly a "pick it up and go for it" attitude that got them going.

An adult, presumedly a teacher, inquired if they had ever taken music lessons in school. Ike, Tay, and Zac told how the musical background of their parents played a large role in their home schooled music lessons. Ike explained that with their mothers voice and music lessons, combined with outside instructions as well, it was a natural progression for them to just go "on our own and become the band."

Hanson then introduced another single of theirs, called "Weird." They talked about the fun of writing a song about the often used word. Tay added that they thought about naming the song "Zac," but it "didn't have the same ring to it." Zac then wonderfully "ooooohd" us into a beautiful performance of "Weird." during the song, you could see big brother, Ike keeping a watchful and smiling eye on his younger siblings. Tay appeared to enjoy performing this song, for he simply shined.

Ike, Tay, and Zac joked their way thru the most amusing question posed: "Who thought of the name Hanson?" Tay replied "our anscestors....it's our name."

Showing the audience perhaps their greatest strenth came when they responded to a question about criticism. "No matter who you are...big or small... you will be criticised." Tay explained. "People will always look for something wrong." Zac added. But it was Ike who honorable encouraged the audience to "play your music...play what you FEEL." Tay finished Ike's thought with "we play music...have fun doing it...criticise us all you want." Definatly a show of strength.

The final question was asked about influencing singers. Ike replied to this with a twinkle in his eye by reciting all their "original rock and roll" favorite performers names. He then asked if the audience would like to hear and old favorite song of theirs. Hanson then sang "Gimme Some Lovin' " They even encouraged a sing along when they reached the chorus.

After the song ended and goodbyes where said, Isaac, Taylor, and Zachary shook hands with the screaming audience. In touch with their fans, stressing the imporance of "boring" piano lessons, and the fun of song writing, Hanson shared stories of their music and shared how influential music was on their own lives.

No three point shots were executed. No shot clocks were run out. And certainly no fouls were made. But for a moment in time, on the high gloss of the hardwood floor, Hanson ruled the court.