HIGH SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT:

Student-Formed Quartet Means ‘Serious Business’ When it Comes to Giving Back to the Community

Hilary Keller contributes her talents to play for a senior citizen dinner in Dunbar, WV as part of a service project for ASTA. The quartet Serious Business is: Keller and Michael Terranova, violin; Kiefer Kirk, viola; and Hallie Brotherton, cello.

 

Being a musician means performing. Playing your instrument does not always have to stay in the realm of the concert hall or as a functioned event. Lending one’s talents to the community is a wonderful way to reciprocate your love of music to others who may share that same sentiment. SCORCH (South Charleston/Capital High School combined orchestra) has formed a K-12 chapter of ASTA. Students are involved in performances for service as well as volunteering for local arts organizations as part of their club. Below is an excerpt from one of the charter members, Hilary Keller, a senior at Capital HS. On March 1, her quartet, Serious Business, performed for a Senior Citizen Dinner in the town of Dunbar as a service project for ASTA. She writes:

“The American String Teacher’s Association has drastically opened my eyes as a string player. It has given me numerous opportunities to reach out to others and share my care and passion with them. Through ASTA, I have been fortunate enough to help fundraise for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, perform at the Governor’s Mansion, be introduced to the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts, and many more remarkable opportunities. Through these events I have broadened my understanding of just plain “orchestra class” and have evolved into realizing that being a violinist is being part of a community of musicians who support and help one another. It is truly an astonishing experience.”

See how your school’s groups can become instrumental in their community and showcase all the skills you’ve taught them!

Cello Master Class in the Midst of January Snow

On January 28, 2011, ASTA and the West Virginia Youth Symphony co-sponsored a Cello master class. Originally, the class was to take place at South Charleston HS. Once Kanawha County Schools closed due to snow, the class was relocated to Cavendish Hall in Kanawha City. Many thanks to Jon and Vicki Cavendish for making Cavendish Hall available on hours notice.

Parker Boughton, student of Kim Graham, and Molly Blackwood, student of Josh Stevens performed for the master class. The students performed works of Squire and Bach for Alistair MacRae. Mr. MacRae is a New York based cellist who has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra and teaches cello at Princeton University and Brevard Music Center.

Teachers and students enjoyed Mr. MacRae's warm coaching style. He worked on many cello specific setup issues with the students. Most exciting was his intense focus on phrasing with each of the students. The class was inspiring for students and teachers alike.

Thank you WVSTA and WVYS for sponsoring this special cello opportunity; special thanks to Dr. Solen Dikener for sharing the opportunity to work with Mr. MacRae. -Submitted by Colleen Tan

Parker Boughton, Alistair MacRae, Molly Blackwood at the ASTA Cello Master class, January 2011.