North State Parent and The Music Connection of Chico and Redding congratulate Slade Patrick Darrin of Paradise, winner of our 2nd annual teen music essay contest and $400 gift certificate from The Music Connection!
Slade, age 15, has studied with Gitta Brewster from Music Logic, and more recently with Dr. Camm Linden, both Butte County music teachers.
This year’s theme: Write about the earliest time you remember connecting to music, what moved you most, and how playing or creating music moves you now.
The first time I recall experiencing music was deciding to attempt playing the piano at age 4. I learned basic chords and tunes and a couple of years later I started receiving piano lessons. It was around this time that I first began to get a feel for music, and performing songs grew on me. I discovered it to be truly terrific, learning new pieces and catching on to the rhythms and melodic phrases involved.
I gave my first public performance six years ago at age 9. Since then I have given over 110 paid performances and am still enjoying the experience as much as when I began. My main audiences have been seniors at retirement facilities. I found that playing the piano was making the people happy, and that, in turn, made me happy as well. When I play the piano, the notes seem to flow from my hands to the instrument and out the strings. It seems so natural, and I have a great time listening to the music I play. It is almost therapeutic.
The piano is a fantastic break from the daily routine of hustle and bustle. So far, I have had a wonderful musical journey, and I look forward to having many more entertaining years to come.
Posted in: Art & Music
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...
The World Is Your Canvas: A Guide To Rock Painting
During sunny summer months we spend much of our time outdoors, until the weather brings a chill that sends us back inside, where, all too often, time is spent staring […]
Local Art Stores Offer Inspiration, Knowledge and Quality
Visiting an art supply shop can feel a little like being a kid in a candy store for artists and art lovers. With everything from rich pastels, delicate watercolors and […]
Little Elves Workshop: A Joyous Family Holiday Tradition
Fragrant holiday wreaths, handmade holiday ornaments, craft tables laden with crafting supplies and projects and staffed by friendly elves, holiday music and entertainment, hot apple cider and seasonal treats – […]
Fostering Creativity – Five North State businesses that can become your family’s “home away from home”
December is a great month to focus on creativity, because it’s happening all the time, whether decorating a home, wrapping a package, baking treats, planning a menu, or even creatively […]