Meaningful Music Program

Tools

by Fox Charlotte

Story Created: Apr 21, 2011 at 11:32 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 21, 2011 at 11:51 PM EDT

GASTONIA, N.C. - She's only 12, but she has an old soul and you can hear it in her voice.  Bethany Teague loves jazz, blues and Alicia Keys.  She was just five when she started singing and says, "I got my voice from my grandma. Definitely."

Bethany is one of about 100 kids who comes through the York Chester Middle School band program every year.  She says, "I finally realized I have a really good voice and I need to use it."

Her teacher, Mr. Julian Wilson, has seen Bethany mature through music.  Now, she has no problem commanding attention on the stage. But a couple years ago, he says, "She was a little shy and really had problems standing in front of crowds."

Wilson credits Gaston County's strong arts community for keeping programs like his a priority.  "We're all mind, body and spirit.  Lots of times, we'll nurture some of the other parts but that spirit gets left behind."

In fact, while other programs, including those at CMS, get whittled down, the York Chester Middle School music program is actually growing.  Wilson says, "Some funds have been reinstated.  And we're able to do things we haven't done in four or five years."

It's good news for Teague, who says music pushes her to do well in other classes.  She wants to become a professional singer but isn't sure a TV show will be her path to fame.  "I honestly don't think I need it because I wanna be found myself.  I don't wanna go somewhere and have them find me," she says.  

Teague can also play the clarinet and she's learning the piano.

The York Chester Middle School jazz band books gigs throughout the school year and summer.  The kids regularly perform in public.
 

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