tioned by the interviewer. Immediately his expression changes, a broad smile covers his face, and confident words begin to flow regarding his accomplishments in learning how to play the violin. “In violin practice I learned how to hold and play the different strings. I also learned the different musical notes. I had a great time during violin (practice). I had fun playing the violin, and I want to try a different instrument after graduating from Westhaven.“ COURTESY OF YOUNG AUDIENCES OF VIRGINIA, INC.
sometimes that happens. The intention is to learn new concepts and new things about yourself which are hiding deep inside until the use of the Arts “Flips the switch.” Suddenly, other hidden talents, passions, ideas, and desirable traits of leadership emerge. Here is Malana’s story, in her own words. “During my 5th and 6th grade years at Westhaven Elementary School in Portsmouth, I was fortunate enough to learn and play the Violin while attending the Young Audiences Arts for Leaning program. The program has made a great impact on my life by exposing me to music. I used to be a music hater, so I wasn’t too happy at first about joining the program. However, the program taught me that playing music is a great past time. The program gave me the goal of being the best player, so I was always occupied with learning and memorizing music. Eventually, I moved onto the 7th grade and joined the Waters Middle School band, but I had to switch to alto saxophone because there was no string class. If it wasn’t for the violin program, learning saxophone would have been difficult. The violin program is what gave me the knowledge of learning all of my notes ahead of time. My father was amazed that I was able to take those same notes I learned and play them on the piano. I eventually became first chair in the 8th grade, and before I knew it I was heading to the 9th grade at I. C. Norcom High School and became a member of the Marching Greyhound Band. In this band, I was called upon to use my skills to help the other new alto sax players learn their music. I received a special award at the end of the year and have been chosen to be a section leader next year. If it wasn’t for my beginnings with the Young Audiences Arts violin program, I would have never had any musical accomplishments. The violin program put me on the path to getting positions and awards that I’m proud of.” Note: The Interactive Arts Experience can empower a quiet, reserved child to visit their inner soul and discover their path. You never know when you are developing a leader or offering an experience that will change the life of a child. Malana did not start out as a leader and respected by her fellow classmates. She started as a music hater. Young Audiences is proud of Malana, and so happy that we could introduce her to a new world.
As you watch him speak, a different person, one with confidence and self-esteem is present. We discover that he uses the world of music to concentrate on Science and Math studies. “I also learned to use music to relax my mind which helped me with my studies. I will never forget what the program has taught me and I‘m looking forward to playing my Violin for a long time.” This healing of the inner being was done in a matter of weeks, six to be exact. Myles has a new world of confidence in which to live, which no one can take away from him. It is his forever. And yes, today, he has his own violin.
Myles: Self Esteem
A student with Autism: Behavioral Changes
A young man with a tight jaw speaks slowly without expression regarding his time in a Westhaven classroom. His answers are short and clipped, almost as if there was a bit of hidden anger behind each word. The conversation changes to his involvement in Young Audiences’ Arts-4-Learning String Residency program when ques-
When working with a group of children, each one is affected in a different way during an Young Audiences Interactive Arts experience. Anglelita Benitez, a Literacy teacher at Willard Model Elementary School speaks of a surprise result that happened before her eyes. “I wanted to personally thank you and Mr. Stephen Kristoff (a Young Audiences Teaching Artist) for bringing phonological
Hampton Roads Bravo!
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