Nearly all professional musicians began their careers at an early age and name parents, teachers, visits to concerts and opportunities to learn in a group as motivating factors.
The After-School Strings Program, a joint project of the Rowan-Salisbury School System and the Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Society, provides a group learning experience that has jump-started many young area musicians.
To introduce elementary-age students to string instruments and the After-School Strings Program, musicians are on a mini-concert tour this week at schools throughout the Rowan-Salisbury system. Today, they’ll perform at Faith, Rockwell, Shive and Bostian. On Friday, they will complete the tour at China Grove, Landis, Enochville and Millbridge.
Professional musicians Suzy Perkins on violin, John Pruett on viola and Anne Sellitti on cello use a variety of musical styles.
The After-School Strings Program will be taught on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons beginning Oct. 2. Teacher and professional musician Carrie Webster teaches the classes at Granite Quarry, assisted by Anne Cave.
At Landis, professional violist Frank Albert teaches the classes, assisted by music specialist Sharon Gunther.
Overton classes are instructed by Salisbury Symphony Concertmaster Dan Skidmore, assisted by music specialist Anne Musselman.
The classes are open to any child ages 8 and older.
For more information, contact Education Director Susan Trivette at 704-637-4730 or strivett@catawba.edu.