Photograph by R.W. Bradford
Kathleen Chin, 13, practices the tuba in the brass section of her summer music class, sponsored by Saratoga Music boosters.
By Tim Persyn
"One, two, three, four," called out Jay Bordeleau, a recent Redwood Middle School graduate, as he stood at the front of the school's band room. At his instruction, his young percussion students, eyes upon him, began their practice exercise with drum sticks in hand and drum pads before them.
As the beginners tapped out the rhythm, Bordeleau patiently listened to the mistakes. When the exercise was over, he said, "OK, let's try that again."
Soon, Vicki Wyant, a Redwood music instructor, entered the room and gave the students a few pointers.
"How many feel like you are getting it?" she asked. The majority of students raised their hands.
This was a scene from the Saratoga Music Boosters' Summer Music program, held at Redwood School. The program enrolls fourth- through eighth-graders from within and outside Saratoga.
The program runs from June 24 to July 12 for about two hours each day. Instruction includes chorus, strings, woodwinds and percussion for beginning through advanced students. Enrollment costs $75.
The program is taught by Saratoga Union School District music instructors, and former students help out as assistants. For instance, Bordeleau, the drum assistant, has participated in past summer music programs. Next year, he will study music at Saratoga High School.
Wyant, the instructor, conceived of the program three years ago when she was inspired to experiment with a low-cost, low-stress summer music school. She said the program usually enrolls between 75 and 100 students, which she said is a manageable size.
She said community members are surprised by how much the kids improve through the program. In the twelve days of instruction, "a beginner can get a good feel for playing basic melodies," she said.
To make progress in the discipline of music, of course, requires effort. Wyant expects her students to practice at home.
However, Bordeleau said all the summertime work with Wyant can have its rewards.
"She demands a lot, but it pays off in the end," he said.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, July 3, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved