“THE TADPOLES” Late last year, a group of youngsters aged 5 to 15, most of them being students of Ralph McGee at King Music Center, decided to join a group to learn more about their music and at the same time learn to perform as a group. They meet at the barn of Ralph’s brother Rex, who has been very helpful in coaching and teaching them of this program. They practiced weekly for four to five months, learning traditional bluegrass and old time mountain music. Finally tapped for their first “gig,” they realized they must have a stage name. Although being somewhat reluctant, they finally agreed to be known as the “The Tadpoles.” The first stage performance was for The Stokes Stomp in September. They competed in the Galax Fiddlers Convention and won “Fifth Place Band” in the Youth Division. They performed at The First Annual Chicken Stew Championship in King in November. They’ve also played for several private parties and benefits. This program is designed as a developmental tool for aspiring musicians. They don’t always play as a group, but the current regulars are: Helena, Maria and Robert George, Fioria, Elly and Jessie Burdette, Issac Hayden, Sylvia and
Gus McGee, and Cameron Edwards. The intent of this program is, as those becoming comfortable with their music level or performance skills, they will move on to form their own groups. As this is accomplished, it makes room for new members. The core group will still perform as the “Tadpoles.” These kids are from King, Winston-Salem and surrounding areas. The idea for this group originated from information Ralph learned of a similar group from the Galax, VA area known as JAM, (Junior Appalachian Musicians). Their program began about five years ago and has proven to be very successful in developing young talent to become future professionals. Any school age kid interested in becoming a member of this group should contact Ralph McGee at King Music Center (336-0983-4951 or e-mail ralph@kingmusiccenter.com). I look forward to seeing these kids grow up, become great musicians on their own and as individual groups. They are my Piedmont Picks now and I’ll bet we write about some of them soon as individuals.
Back Row L to R: Elly Burdette, Maria George, Helena George, Fiona Burdette, Cameron Edwards, Issac Hayden, Caleb Jones Front Row L to R: Robert George, Gus McGee, Sylvia McGee, Jesse Burdette, Laila McGee
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Yadkin Valley Living