Kids try instruments at Musical Petting Zoo
By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press
Dozens of children enjoyed the opportunity to try their hands at playing stringed instruments, gleefully taking bow to strings and creating their own tunes.
James Clarkson, CEO of New Horizon School of the Arts put on what he called a Musical Petting Zoo show Tuesday starting at 2 p.m. at the Copperas Cove Library as part of the library’s ongoing Summer Reading Program.
Clarkson started his show by briefly explaining the differences between the three stringed instruments on display—the violin, viola, and cello. Violin has a higher pitch. The viola and the cello share the same strings, but the viola is smaller and lighter (though it has a lower pitch than the violin). The cello, being much larger, has a very deep sound.
Afterwards, the children were divided into groups and invited to test out each of the available instruments. To help with his class, Clarkson brought several of his students who volunteered to help with showing the youngsters how to position and play the individual instruments. Maddie Pileri and Isaac Coleman helped those playing the violin and Emi Cantu helped those playing the cello.
“I finally got to hold on to the instruments,” said Evan Barnes (11) who said that he really enjoyed Tuesday’s class. “It gives me the feeling of a happy day.”
Although Evan was most looking forward to playing the violin and enjoyed it, he ultimately proclaimed that his favorite was the cello due to its deeper sound.
Evan’s sister, Emelee Barnes (9) also enjoyed the class.
“I love the violin. It has soft, nice music,” said Emelee who couldn’t decide if she preferred the violin or the cello. “I liked the cello because it has a nice beat.”
Clarkson said that he was very excited to be able to show off and introduce the children at the Summer Reading Program to some of the various stringed instruments that he offers instruction in. He said that he loved seeing how excited all the children were and how even some of the parents were getting engaged.
Clarkson, who graduated from CCHS, said that, when he was younger, there weren’t any groups for people who played string instruments which inspired him to eventually start his own group, the Bell County Youth Orchestra, which has grown to more than 70 children. This year, he hopes to start an orchestra right here in Copperas Cove.
“I realized that Copperas Cove was missing out on anything string-wise,” said Clarkson. “To be able to create a youth orchestra program for Coryell County gives them opportunities. It gives them more options than they had before.”
Children’s librarian, Karen Eacrett, who also helps run the Summer Reading Program said that they had lots of musical shows this year because it’s very important to childhood development.
“Music is as important as talking to your kids and reading to your kids,” said Eacrett. “It’s an important part of literacy. Long story short, it’s good for your brain.”
Parents are enjoying the ongoing Summer Reading Program and all that it has to offer.
Yvonne Miller attended many of the Summer Reading Program’s events along with her grandson, Von Binghay (3), and granddaughter Azami Binghay (2). She said that they’ve been enjoying the program, especially the Thursday shows.
“I like that it’s so versatile for all age groups,” said Miller. “Even though they are too young to read, they enjoy the books that are presented, and they really like the shows.”
Miller said that, after each program they attend, they try to find a book related to the topic for her to read to her children.
The Summer Reading Program continues next week with the Texas Master Naturalists on Tuesday at 2 p.m., Ft. Cavazos archaeology for the teens on Wednesday at 2 p.m., and Lucas Miller “The Singing Zoologist” on Thursday at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. The final Adult Summer Reading program session will be next Friday at 7 p.m.
Those interested in learning more about joining the orchestra can find more information online at BCYouthOrchestra.org or can contact Clarkson with questions at (254) 813-5553.