East Spencer children, residents learn to play violin in program organized by Salisbury Symphony

Published 12:05 am Saturday, September 30, 2017

EAST SPENCER — JaQuan Jackson didn’t have a problem identifying the musical note when asked by music instructor Karen Franks.

The 17-year-old easily answered several questions during an afternoon violin lesson.

Jackson was one of more than a dozen people who signed up to learn to play the instrument through the Salisbury Symphony music education program’s collaboration with the town of East Spencer.

The town and symphony partnered to bring the 12-week pilot program to people who may not have ever gotten the opportunity to learn the violin or who have always wanted to learn.

The program is available for anyone 8 years old and older. Classes are held at 1909 East, the former Rowan-Salisbury Schools administrative building at 110 S. Long St. The free lessons will be given each Tuesday.

Jackson, a Salisbury High School student, said he has always wanted to learn to play the violin and already knows how to play the bass, flute and saxophone.

He is a member of the Salisbury High band.

His sister, ShaTaira Bailey, knows how to play flute and brought her daughter, Trenity Chambers, 9, to the violin program. Bailey also signed up for the violin lessons as well.

“I think it’s definitely something positive. Some people can’t afford to pay to put their kids in extracurricular activities,” said Zeda Roberson.

Her 10-year-old daughter, Madison Gooch, had talked about learning to play the violin before. Roberson is using this program as a way to gauge whether her daughter is serious about music.

“It think it’s really a good opportunity. It’s nice to see opportunities like this,” Roberson sad.

Ksandra Corpening heard about the pilot program from her sister, East Spencer Alderwoman Tammy Corpening.

Corpening signed up her daughter, Zaria, 15, for lessons. Zaria originally wanted to learn to play the piano, but the violin was something new for the teen, who just wants to learn to play an instrument.

Corpening said it’s great for the town to be able to offer the music lessons.

Sharonda Felton brought her niece and nephew along with the children’s other aunt, Latrica Davis.

“To have an opportunity for the kids to be exposed to something different opens up doors,” Felton said.

Salisbury Symphony Executive Director James Dane Harvey said the symphony is able to offer the program because of Mayor Barbara Mallett, who has said she’s excited that East Spencer was able to enter into the partnership.

Harvey said it is important for the symphony to offer a program outside the school setting and “make it where families can get involved.”

Each week, the lessons will begin with a 5:30 p.m. meal. The lesson will start at 6:30 p.m.

Instructors Karen Franks and Molly Trexler teach private music lessons and after-school programs, respectively. Trexler is also a teacher in Davidson County.

Franks said she’s excited because she’ll get to focus on a theme used in her master’s degree portfolio — intergenerational music classes. It’s been her dream to teach adults and children together.

She said after the first session that she had no idea what to expect since she’d primarily worked with elementary school students as a music specialist.

“I try to engage all ages,” she said of her classes.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salisbury Symphony’s Education Director Dr. Lynn Bowes oversees the program.

For more information about the free music program or to sign up, contact the Salisbury Symphony via email education@salisburysymphony.org. Space for the program is limited.