Musical legend, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, B. B. King once said, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”
Just think about that: life-long dividends are achieved by acquiring a new skill, leaning a new hobby, or gaining knowledge about a previously unknown subject. Such things are priceless!
The Olive Hill Center for Arts and Heritage (OHCAH) is excited to offer just such an opportunity: learning a musical instrument, particularly the violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Elaine Brunelle, already teaching violin and piano, will be starting an inter-generational string orchestra, for individuals aged 9 through adult. Brunelle’s career spans 40 plus years, and includes being the former Director of Orchestras for Fairfield County Strings and Keyboards, a non-profit based in Lancaster, Ohio. Their programming included working with students of all ages, and presenting a season of five concerts. She has played professionally as an orchestral and opera musician. Additionally, she has had unique opportunities to play with such musical legends as Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Henri Mancini Orchestra, Andreas Bocelli, Roberta Flack, Crystal Gayle, Loretta Lynn, Amy Grant, YES, Kansas, and many others.
“Anyone with a great attitude and a desire to learn the violin, viola, cello, or string bass, in a group setting, is welcome to participate,” says Brunelle. “We’ll start at ‘square one,’ and grow from there. If you already have musical experience, this will reinforce your knowledge and improve your skills.”
Brunelle stresses that no prior musical experience is necessary.
“My dream is to provide our community and surrounding areas with an opportunity to play beautiful music for all to enjoy, and to expand the cultural fabric of our area.”
If you don’t have an instrument, very reasonable rental opportunities will be available through Old Town Violins in Lexington, KY.
The group will rehearse at OHCAH, and will present area performances as occasions arise. An informational meeting is planned for Monday, December 16, at 6 p.m. Please feel free to contact The Olive Hill Center for Arts and Heritage at (606)207-1480 for any additional information.
And remember the words of Ben Franklin: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
