Nederland youth make music together

Barbara Lawlor

Nederland

Now that the winter Olympics are over, we can look back at all the stories of courageous determination and passionate dedication that earned the athletes a place in the world spotlight and realize that most Olympic heroes began their quest when they were very young. Their talent was recognized and supported by their family and friends and then their coaches.

If these young men and women had not been given the opportunity when they first showed interest, they may have never known the pride of marching in the opening parade representing their country.

This axiom is true for art and music as well as sports. Young people may show and inclination or talent if they are given the chance to perform or create. That is why the Peak to Peak Healthy Communities Project and Brightwood Music are teaming up to offer Nederland students a chance to learn and play music at the Youth Pick ‘n’ Play night at the Kathmandu Restaurant from 5-7 p.m. on Friday nights.

Brightwood Music has a team of teachers; one of them will be on hand each session to answer questions about music, help a child tune their instrument, or lead them in a group jam. The kids lead the sessions in whatever direction they want it to go, while the teachers and adults are there to have dinner and relax as their offspring take the stage.

Coordinator of the event, Barbara Hardt, says parents have told her that they want their children to grow up forming positive habits when socializing on a Friday night. "We are offering them to share the gift of music with each other."

Hardt says Kathmandu was chosen as the venue because they have a short stage allowing the children to not feel self-conscious as they play. It is an opportunity for them to perform in public without having the direct focus on them.

The Kathmandu offers their buffet on Friday nights, a perfect time for a family dinner while the kids pluck and strum and pound and play to their hearts’ content. All of the instruments are acoustic except for the keyboard, which is supplied by Doug Armitage of Brightwood.

The jam sessions are unrehearsed and the only real plan is to ask the students to work on a certain piece, to practice for next week's session.

Jon and Miles Ridnell were last Friday's teachers. It was the first Pick ‘n’ Play, and about 10 kids showed up. Miles says he was happy to show up and eat and play with and for the students. "Most of the kids want to jam with other kids," he says, remembering his own childhood experience discovering music with his dad.

Local mom Jenna Bates brought her daughter Clara, 8, to the Kathmandu because "she doesn't play anything and I want to encourage her to try. We have instruments at home for her to use. I would like to see her get into the arts. These are the kids she goes to school with and I like the idea of them encouraging each other."

Hardt says that this venue is a good way for children to learn that becoming proficient at playing an instrument is not a chore, but an opportunity to practice. "They will think of it as a privilege that they get to play and have a good time with their friends."

The Pick ‘n’ Play will take place every Friday at the Kathmandu and the young people are encouraged to bring an instrument if they have one or share the ones that are there.