When it came time to choose instruments in your school orchestra or band as a kid, some of them may have seemed a little intimidating. Tuba, trombone, bass, cello -- those were for the big or tall kids, right?
The
Copper Country Suzuki Association is trying to change that popular misperception of one of these less-familiar instruments for Keweenaw kids and their families, with the introduction of a beginning Cello Club.
"One of the biggest reasons we would like to start this club is simply to let people know that all ages can play the cello. People look at the cello and think 'that's big, there's no way my child could play that.' but the cello actually comes in many different sizes. Children as young as three years old can learn to play the cello! My youngest student right now is four and he's doing wonderfully," says Maggie Twining, cello instructor for the association.
The club is open to kids 8 to 12 years old, and will consist of a series of eight weekly group lessons in Hancock beginning April 12, and in Houghton beginning April 16. While each series costs $100, which includes cello rental, there are free introductory programs beforehand, on April 5 and 6, so families can try out the cello and see if it's something they are interested in before committing to the whole club. Some need-based scholarships also are available.
No experience is necessary; the lessons will start from the beginning, with how to hold and play the instrument, as well as some easy songs. At the end, students will have the chance to play in the CCSA's spring recital.
Twining says the cello might just be the perfect fit for some children, whether they already are musically inclined or not, because of its beautiful sound, which is easy to fall in love with.
"I have many students that will say that when they're feeling down or angry or just "blah" in mood, they will go and pick up their cello. When you play the cello, you sit in a chair and the cello rests against your sternum. You can actually feel the vibration of the instrument and I think it can have a calming effect on a person. In fact, when I go and introduce the cello to students, I often ask for volunteers to come and touch the body of the instrument while I play and their faces light up, eyes pop open and they seem quite surprised," she says.
Early registration is a good idea, because each class is limited to six students. Printable forms are on the association's website.
Writer: Sam Eggleston Source: Maggie Twining, Copper Country Suzuki Association
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