Joy of Music School

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Category Archives: Joy of Music School Kids

The young people who study music at the School have a lot going on!


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A Recital to Remember

Each Joy of Music School recital is unique, but this spring’s was extra-special. It was the first since the passing of Marilyn M. Dick, widow of our founder James A. Dick and a passionate supporter of everything we do here. To honor their memory, we named the event the Marilyn and James Dick Memorial Spring Recital.

The event was, as usual, a wonderful celebration of our students and the joy that music brings them and everyone around them. Sixty-seven JoMS kids took the stage on Sunday, May 5, at Knoxville’s Scottish Rite Temple. They played just about every instrument you can imagine, from pianos to trumpets to violins.
One of the highlights was Senior Caleb and his band rocking the audience with the instrumental “Rat Salad” by BlackSabbath. Also, siblings, Tess, Knox, Lily and Freeman dazzled the audience with their performance of “A Million Dreams” from the film “The Greatest Showman.”Afterward, everyone proceeded downstairs, where a delicious dinner was served. Special thanks to the generosity of many Joy of Music School board members, who covered the food expense this year. We also set up an “instrument petting zoo,” so attendees could pick up and try out various instruments right there. It drew a big, happy crowd that filled the air with joyful sounds. “It was really loud!” says Julie Carter, our director of music education. She adds with a laugh, “I guess that’s kind of the point.”If you’ve never attended a Joy of Music School recital, you should know you’re missing out on something remarkable. Its always an invigorating and inspiring afternoon. We hope you’ll able to join us next spring for the second annual Marilyn and James Dick Memorial Spring Recital.


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A Song is Born

Most of the music performed at our spring recital was familiar to anyone with a passing knowledge of the classics. But there was one piece nobody in the audience had heard before. Called “Spring Sunrise,” it was written by JoMS volunteer teacher KristopherRucinski and played by his piano student Jamal. Kristopher has written a handful of pieces for his students over the years. “It’s been my experience as a performer that there’s a special feeling of achievement at being the first person to play a work,” he says. “Also, I like to involve them in the compositional process. Writing a piece that plays to their skills gives them something they can’t get in a book.”Kristopher describes Jamal as “a very expressive player.”Together they’ve had some improvisation sessions where Jamal has shown “a very adventurous sense of choosing chords and rhythm. I wanted to incorporate that in my piece. It wasn’t all in 4/4 time. There was 7/8and 6/8 and all kinds of things.”“Spring Sunrise” is a beautiful piece that unfolds slowly with some repeating elements and pauses. It’s meant to sound like emerging from the cold of winter into a beautiful landscape, Kristopher explains. Jamal is one of three piano students Kristopher is teaching at the Joy of Music School. The others, Elsie and Gianna, will “absolutely” get to debut original compositions by him in the near future. “In fact, Giannahas already asked me for one!” he says. We can’t wait to hear it.


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A Rocking New Scholarship Program

The owner of Knoxville’s School of Rock, Greg Franklin, had a unique challenge and opportunity when he was approached by Jackie Woods, the mother of one of his employees. She wanted to honor the memory of her recently departed husband, Sean, by underwriting School of Rock tuition for kids who need it most. Greg was happy to oblige, but realized he might have a tricky time determining which families would be eligible for scholarships. He would need a fair, equitable system to meet families’ needs. That’scomplicated and expensive to pull off. In a moment of inspiration, Greg approached Joy of Music SchoolExecutive Director Frank Graffeo and explained the situation. He called the right place. Greg and Frank held meetings to sort out details according to Jackie’s wishes. Soon thereafter, Jackie generously set up the Sean Woods Memorial Scholarship with the Joy of Music School, which allowed four of our students—Nick, Sam, Auzlo, and Carpenter—to attend the School ofRock this summer. They had unforgettable experiences they would never have enjoyed without Jackie. We are happy to report that the scholarship will be in place for years to come. We look forward to more rocking and rolling thanks to Greg, the School of Rock, and our new friend Jackie.


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Come Get Your Sparkle On

Just like roasting chestnuts and Jack Frost nipping at your nose, it wouldn’t be the holidays in Knoxville without Holiday Sparkles & Spirits. Our 13th annual fundraiser is all set for Tuesday night, Dec. 4, at the Cherokee Country Club. Start time is 6:30 p.m. The ticket price: $125 per person.

We promise it’ll be the jolliest Tuesday night you can imagine. There’ll be heartwarming musical performances by our students, wine and delicious appetizers, and sensational holiday shopping. You’ll be able to choose from a vast assortment of gift ideas, from jewelry and wine (the “sparkles and spirits” that gave this event its name) to travel and sports memorabilia and much more.

We’ll see you there!

Act Now! Please call or email the School today to reserve your place! Phone: 865-525-6806.

Email: info@joyofmusicschool.org Want more details? You should have received an invitation by mail, but if you can’t find it, visit our website and click on the banner.

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Recital News!

 

Our students are about to step up and dazzle a pair of Knoxville retirement communities, and you’re welcome to join in the excitement.

That’s right – it’s winter recital time! The first is 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Sherrill Hills (271 Moss Grove Boulevard). The second is 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Shannondale Retirement Center (801 Vanosdale Road).

These recitals usually last about an hour and feature 20 to 25 students performing on piano, violin, cello, woodwinds and more. We’d love to see you at either or both of these performances!

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Playing Young James Agee

In March we got an unexpected and unusual request from Swiss documentary filmmaker Richard Dindo. He needed a small boy to appear in a documentary about author and Knoxville native James Agee. While filming in Knoxville, Dindo wanted to shoot scenes depicting the young Agee in a piano lesson. Frank Graffeo agreed to meet the filmmaker to discuss his proposal.

After getting all the details, Frank asked Julie Carter, our director of music education, to identify a boy based on Dindo’s request. Valentyn, a young JoMS piano student of volunteer teacher Mary Beckley, fit the bill perfectly.

Fast forward to September: Dindo was back in Knoxville filming on location with costumes, makeup, lights, cameras and … action! Valentyn played, literally, his part and had a successful day of shooting, just like a Hollywood star. The production company compensated his family, and now we simply await the premiere. Stay tuned!

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A Letter From The Executive Director

Francis Graffeo

You might remember Highlights Magazine— monthly intellectual stimulation, fun, and guidance for kids. I especially remember the hand-drawn brothers facing a new moral or behavioral issue, each in his own way. Goofus and Gallant, back in the ’60s and ’70s—my Highlights prime—were by proxy helping parents with boys and our impulsive tendencies. There was no female counterpart. At the time, I assumed girls never needed it. I did. Not that I was a bad kid; I was a pretty good kid. But I thrived on the validation I got from knowing instantly that Goofus was getting it wrong, and that I was much more like Gallant—every time! Imagine that. Every time!

Looking back as an adult, a parent, and director of this youth-centered organization celebrating its 20th anniversary year, I realize the angle Highlights was taking. Despite the characters’ giveaway names, I nonetheless felt the embrace of self-approval as I chose the Gallant way, the right choice. These boys were modeling behavior.

Parents and school teachers know all about that. Our volunteers know it too. It’s not just modeling how to hold a violin bow, or breathing deeply before singing. It’s an adult giving his or her time to make the world better. It’s an adult mentoring a young person, and modeling excellent behavior, while also coaching young pianists, drummers and strummers. Teaching musical technique is one thing. It’s quite another to teach children something positive about themselves.

Francis Graffeo, Executive Director

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Hearing The Call

Tony Evans was at the School waiting for one of his daughters to finish her violin lesson when he heard a young boy playing a hymn on our lobby piano. Tony knew the hymn so he went over and sat down beside the boy, adding some chords on the lower end. They sounded good together! Turns out the boy, Josue, had been taking piano lessons at JoMS, but his teacher had recently quit. He was deeply upset about this.

Someone told Tony that Josue stood in our hallway and cried when he heard the news. “I just thought, ‘This is wrong for me not to teach him,’ Tony recalls. “He’s very good.” That was three years ago, and ever since, Josue and Tony have met Tuesday evenings for piano lessons. Tony describes their sessions as the highlight of his week. “I think I was directed to be there in the School that day,” he says. “I don’t think anything happens by accident.” He adds: “Josue has such a good attitude. And he’s got perfect pitch.”

Tony’s a Knoxville native and a longtime local musician. He played in a handful of garage bands in the 1970s and ‘80s, bashing away at the guitar with his long hair flowing behind him. These days Tony is a doctor of audiology and runs the AudioLife Hearing Center in Knoxville. His firm donated a set of high-end Unitron hearing aids to the silent auction at our Holiday Sparkles & Spirits fundraiser event (see page 1). What a great way to share the joy of music: helping someone hear it better.

Thanks Tony, for your generous donation and for your time with Josue!

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A Message To Parents

Hey parents of JoMS students! Just like you, we believe your children deserve the very best opportunities in music education. The staff here feeds on your kids’ enthusiasm and works hard to find ways to help them improve. A lot of times you’ll find us steering them toward auditions for orchestras, choirs, bands, camps, and even colleges.

We know it can be overwhelming and sometimes a bit scary for parents, siblings and other family members. But we have a message for you: We are with you all the way! We love finding people, foundations and companies that make it possible for your kids to attend camps and orchestras—absolutely free of charge, including travel.

We can help turn a mundane summer into an experience of a lifetime for your musical kids. And we regularly help kids and families through the rocky process of college applications. We love doing it—and we love the results! So, when opportunity knocks, feel that beat and go with it. You won’t regret it!

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Nothing Hum-Drum About This Drum

What does the Caribbean sound like? Imagine an island beach and then listen for music. Hear that? Yes, your brain just played the steel drum, or steel pan. That magical pinging, singing tone has arrived at the Joy of Music School, thanks to Randy Kerns, co-owner of Panyard, Inc., makers of musical steel pans and accessories. Randy, who serves on the UT School of Music Advisory Board, recently toured JoMS with Executive Director Frank Graffeo.

Randy brought a donation—a charming pink steel pan with a stand whose base is a pair of plastic “bare feet.” (They almost make you feel the sand between your toes.) Randy is a musician himself and hopes “to encourage the School to start a steel pan class.” He included a stack of brand new teaching and learning books, and CDs as well.

During the tour Randy mentioned he plays accordion with his family, usually around the holidays. “Maybe we could form the world’s first steel pan/accordion band,” Frank suggested. “We might have a recruiting challenge,” Randy answered, “but it’s worth a try!”

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Q & A With Breyon Ewing

Breyon Ewing

 

Joy of Music School alumnus Breyon Ewing, who attended the University of Tennessee on a music scholarship, now works as a professional singer and music instructor—and that includes teaching piano with us! As the School celebrates its 20th anniversary, Breyon shared his thoughts on what JoMS has meant to him.

Q. What are your earliest memories of the School?

A. When I first got there, in 2006, I was 11. I was taking piano. I’d would come in and have lessons with Linda Wise. She was very nice. I’d see [Executive Director] Frank Graffeo. And [Director of Music] Julie Carter a whole bunch. I had no idea important she’d be, how integral she’d be to my growing up. I just thought I was taking lessons.

Q. Does anything you learned at the School – big or small – stand out as being most memorable?

A. I guess it was the first time that I ever bowed and accepted applause. [Laughs.] Before coming there I’d been in choirs, and sung solos with them, but you don’t bow after that. But in recitals, which I always loved to play in, they were like, “All right and now you bow,” and I was like, “Oh…cool. That’s… interesting!”

Q. Do you ever think about how your life would be different if you hadn’t found the School?

A. Oh yeah! I don’t even know which career path I’d be taking. In high school, I started taking voice lessons with [well-known tenor and UT associate professor] Andrew Skoog at the Joy of Music. And he was like, “You know, you could do this as a career…”

Q. Looking back, what do you know now that you wish you’d known as a Joy of Music School student?

A. When it comes to your voice and your art, you have to be diligent. That time you’re not practicing is not going to behoove you later.

Q. What’s it like to come back to the School as a teacher?

A. It’s so interesting. Sometimes it’s kind of surreal. I see pictures of myself as a younger person and … wow. They’ve done remodels and nice things to make it look even better, but it’s still the same place with the same people. Everybody’s working so hard and putting in all this effort, and I feel more a part of it now that I can contribute as a volunteer teacher.

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The Waiting Game

One of our newest and most enthusiastic piano students is Nazaria, who is in the second grade at Emerald Academy. She started taking lessons with volunteer teacher Ashley Williams this fall after spending forever on our waiting list. Well, it wasn’t actually forever. It was only about six months. But that sure seems like forever when you are 7 years old and want to start learning piano SO BAD. Nazaria’s mom, NyKeesha, did a great job of managing our application process. NyKeesha first reached out to us when Nazaria was just 5 years old. We told her the earliest a student can start oneon- one lessons is 7. So NyKeesha waited patiently and when Nazaria turned 7, her mom applied for lessons. We put her on the waiting list last April.

Then — and this is important — NyKeesha continued to follow up with our Music Director Julie Carter. Do you have a spot for my daughter? Can she begin lessons anytime soon?

This was music to Julie’s ears. “I love to hear from parents,” she says. “The more parental involvement, the better. You know that saying about the squeaky wheel?”

When NyKeesha called Julie to check in back in October, the timing was perfect. “Nazaria’s schedule matched Ashley’s schedule and we were able to put them together,” Julie recalls. “I was really happy.”

Probably not as happy as Nazaria and her mom. “I was overjoyed,” says NyKeesha. “Nazaria is super-excited. It makes my heart so happy. We just went and picked up a keyboard for her yesterday. As soon as she gets home from school, she wants to get right on it.”

At the moment, our waiting list has about 15 students. Wouldn’t you like to help a kid like Nazaria experience the joy of music? If you’re a potential volunteer teacher, please call us at 865-525-6806 and let’s find a way to make it happen!

 

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Lights, Camera, JoMS

Alex Oliver, CEO of Knoxville’s Draft Agency, has earned a lot of cred for his filmmaking. He holds several Addy Awards, and he made a film that hit No. 11 worldwide on the iTunes documentary charts. (It’s called Voyage and it’s about a boat trip from Knoxville to the Gulf of Mexico.) His company boasts clients like Clayton Homes, SeaRay, ORNL and more.

To our delight, Alex got wind of the Joy of Music School and was inspired to create a six-minute movie about what we do and why we do it. Alex and his Draft Agency sound and camera team followed staff, volunteers, and others for months. You’ve got to see it. Taber Gable, an illustrious Joy of Music School grad, is featured, among others. The storytelling, montage, and music from Alex’s imagination are sensational. Alex shared it with us in July. No charge. It’s for the kids of the School. See for yourself why we are so thrilled: https:// youtu.be/Jf54P6zzwv4

 

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Happy 20th Birthday to Us

Remember 1998? The Tennessee Vols were college football’s national champs. E.R. was TV’s top-rated show. The search engine Google made its official debut.

It was also the year James A. Dick founded the Joy of Music School. Inspired by Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School, which offers instruments and music lessons for a nominal fee, Mr. Dick began laying the foundation for our School with a series of meetings in 1997. He gathered community leaders, and together they plotted how it would all work. Mr. Dick, who made his fortune owning and operating radio stations, kick-started the School’s endowment with a big check. Importantly, he got many others to contribute as well.

In those early days, the School operated from a Boys & Girls Clubs building. It wasn’t long before we’d outgrown that tiny, 900-square-foot space, and in 2003 we moved into our current, 7,000-square-foot home— which we own.

Mr. Dick passed away in 2011. But his wife, Marilyn, continues to have a deep connection with the Joy of Music School and “remains an angel and an important ally for us,” says Frank Graffeo, who joined our board in 2001 and became executive director in 2005.

There have been innumerable high points in the School’s two decades. Among them: Former student Taber Gable got a four-year jazz piano scholarship at the University of Hartford and then went on to the Juilliard School Graduate Jazz Studies Program under Wynton Marsalis. Taber returned to Knoxville in 2015 for a performance that benefited the Joy of Music School.

In terms of our visibility, there was no bigger moment than the time we appeared on ABC-TV’s “Secret Millionaire” show in 2011. The episode showed a visit to the School by a wealthy businesswoman, Dani Johnson, who surprised us by making a $40,000 contribution. Frank Graffeo figures we’ve collected at least four times as much from other donors who saw the program and were inspired to give.

Today the School employs four full-time staffers, one part-timer and 116 volunteer teachers. We deliver music lessons to more than 200 Knoxville kids at our School every year, and almost a thousand more through our outreach programs.

So what’s ahead for the Joy of Music School? “Our enormous, ambitious goal is that one day, teachers (not students) will be the ones on our waiting list,” says Frank Graffeo. “A backlog of volunteers and an immediate match for every kid who applies.” We are also talking about adding a multi-purpose hall to our existing building, and in our long-term plans, we would love to help people create their own Joy of Music Schools in other cities around the world.”

We are confident Mr. Dick would like the sound of that.

 

 

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