Learning a musical instrument requires an investment of time, effort and money.
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A guitar will likely cost $200, a keyboard could likely be had for slightly less while the price for a set of drums is about $500 and up. Better deals may be available on line but purchasing an instrument is just one half of the equation.
Young, aspiring musicians will also have to pay for lessons which will cost somewhere between $40 to $60 an hour or more.
Fortunately, kids in Eagle Place don’t have to worry about paying for lessons or coughing up money for an instrument. That’s all taken care of through Arts After School Kids, a community-based program that gives kids free access to guitars, drum sets, keyboards and instructors.
“Arts After School Kids has been part of the Eagle Place neighborhood for a long time,” John Gefucia, a past president of the Eagle Place Neighborhood Association, said. “We had to shut down for three-and-a-half years because of the pandemic, but now we’re back.
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The program, started by Gayle Myke in 2007, is for students in Grades 6 to 8 and includes an art program taught by Carol Ann Conlin, an author and art instructor.
“The kids get a chance to learn how to draw, paint or play a musical instrument but that’s just part of the overall goal,” Gefucia said. “We’re hoping that they will also gain self-confidence, self-esteem and learn interpersonal skills by being part of a group effort.”
At present, there are 18 youths registered in the program. Some have never touched an instrument before, Gefucia said.
The strength of the program is in the instructors and the people at Madonna Della Libera have been extremely supportive, Gefucia said.
Aaliyah Nechelput joined Arts After School Kids last year when she was in Grade 6.
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“It’s a lot of fun and I’ve met quite a few really nice people,” Nechelput said. “The instructors are really nice too.
“They’re always teaching us new things and they make it a lot of fun.”
Nechelput started out with learning how to play guitar last year and is now learning how to play the drums.
Nechelput and the rest of the students in the music program are preparing for a talent show – concert on June 6. The doors open at 6 pm with the concert starting at 6:30 pm
Gefucia was reluctant to reveal too much about the show but he suspects the audience will likely hear Seven Nation Army and Hit the Road Jack.
The concert lineup is still being decided but plans call for a performance by the students as a band, a duet or two and a couple of powerful drum solos.
“This is a chance for the kids to perform for their parents and grandparents,” Gefucia said. “It’s an opportunity for the parents to see what the program is all about.”
Conlin has been part of the program for many years and is continually amazed by the students.
“They produce some really great work and it’s interesting because while I’m the teacher, I’ve learned a great deal from them as well,” Conlin said.
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