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WEDNESDAY, March14, 2012 n VOL. 45, NO. 11 n 75¢
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Islander continues work in Haiti
Cue the music, cameras rolling
Young musicians compete in radio contest for most popular YouTube video performance by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor/Associate Publisher
Several young Orcas violinists are hoping to win the hearts and ears of classical music lovers. Three of Matthew Olson’s music students are competing for the chance to perform live on Seattle’s KING 98.1 FM radio station. “I teach the violin because in addition to the valuable life lessons it teaches each student, music beautifies the soul and enlarges it,” Olson said. Matthew Laslo-White, Cierra Lutz and Mackie Blackburn submitted a YouTube video of their performances; each session will be judged by a panel of musicians who will narrow the field to 10 by March 30. That group will perform live on the radio. At that point, the public will vote on www.king.org for a grand prize winner, who will perform solo on the air on May 4. All three students have been playing the violin since they were youngsters. Lutz and Laslo-White are both 11 and Blackburn is 18. For the audition recordings,
each student was accompanied by Louellen McCoy on the piano. Laslo-White said his strategy was simple: “Practice. Constant practice. Every day.” Lutz got her inspiration from watching a violinist on YouTube. “I found a violinist who played with so much feeling that you could almost hear a story coming from his violin,” she said. Blackburn had a particularly intense week, as he was preparing not only for the KING FM contest but was also for an audition at a music school he hopes to attend next fall. “Matthew Olson had been working with me very intensely for the last month to help me prepare for the music school audition,” Blackburn said. “I practiced as much as I could. More than normal.” In choosing their song for the video, Lutz and Laslo-White pointed to the importance of musical dynamics, which is something their teacher emphasizes during their weekly private lessons. “The concerto I played is one of
Orcas writer releases book on Barefoot Bandit by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor/Associate Publisher
It’s a story that took over a local writer’s life. Bob Friel’s interest in teen burglar Colton Harris-Moore began as personal curiosity. The saga later became the focus of a meticulously researched book, “The Barefoot Bandit: The True Tale of Colton Harris-Moore, New American Outlaw,” published by Hyperion this month.
This is part one of a two-part series. Read the next installment in the 3/21 edition. by Cali Bagby Staff reporter
Blackburn says he plays the violin because it “allows me to express myself and improvise and find new songs and styles.” Olson said it was a “a thrill” to
Thousands died and riots broke out across Haiti as cholera raced through the population. In one area, burning barricades littered the streets and blocked the road to the hospital. Rosedanie Cadet watched as the chaos unfolded. She asked people to help move the mattresses and other objects set aflame, but only one person would assist her. “It was a horrible time,” she said. “I went back to the house in tears.” Later, she went online and talked to an Orcas Island friend, who told her that another islander had been standing outside of Island Market collecting money to buy water filtration systems for Haiti, the Caribbean nation. Someone else was working on gathering supplies. Another friend sent her
See VIOLIN, Page 6
See HAITI, Page 6
Cierra Lutz performing for the King FM radio competition. my favorite songs,” Laslo-White said. “It tells a great, fantastic story.” Lutz performed a piece by Johann Sebastian Bach. “I love how much emotion I can put into it,” she said.
contributed photo
Author Bob Friel with his dog Murphy.
Friel says it’s been a unique opportunity to write about a crime story that he actually experienced. “We lived through the birth of this thing,” he said. “Orcas was ground zero for this … and I was able to separate fact from fiction. I think people will enjoy seeing what really went down in what has become island lore.”
contributed photo
Friel will be signing copies of his book on Friday, March 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Darvill’s Bookstore. He will give proceeds from books sold at Darvill’s to local children’s charities. The book will be available to buy starting March 20. Camano Island native Harris-Moore was on the lam for two years, hiding out in Orcas Island homes and the woods before finally being caught in July 2010 in the Bahamas. He reportedly spent time hiding in an airplane hangar owned by Mike and Dawn Parnell, waiting until they flew off so he could drive their car to their home, eat their food and wear their clothing. He stole six boats and airplanes from San Juan County, crashing one plane and damaging two others during landings. His exploits grabbed national headlines during a crime spree that spanned nine states and prompted an international manhunt. His owes his victims an estimated $1.4 million in damages. Harris-Moore, who will turn 21 in a few weeks, pled guilty to 33 state charges and seven
See FRIEL, Page 7
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