We know it can be harder to pick up a second language when we’re older, or more difficult to learn how to ride a bike as an adult than as a kid, right? In the same way, the older we get, the more effort and courage it takes to tackle a musical instrument for the first time—which is why I admire the high school kids at Weston Ranch High School who play in their orchestra, led by music teacher Joe Barron. Many of these students—even some seniors—are just beginning to experience the joys and challenges of playing string instruments for the first time. I just visited them today, and was impressed by their enthusiasm and passion, their dedication, and their ability to focus—and a lot of that inspiration comes from Joe, who is tireless in his spirit for promoting the great things music ensembles can do for us.
The experience took me back to when I played violin in a school orchestra for the first time. I was nine, in Berkeley in the 1960s. Our elementary school had an orchestra, and this was a true symphony, not just a string ensemble. We had winds, brass, and percussion along with a healthy string section.
Back then, California used to rank at the very top of our nation in terms of per-capita spending for the arts and for education in general. Now we’re practically at the bottom. Many school systems are no longer offering musical ensembles at the elementary school level, and recent cuts have taken a severe toll on middle school programs as well. Which is where Joe and his school come in. We need music in our curriculum; it’s not just a frill. Joe knows that, and the kids know it, too, so they sign up for orchestra, relishing the musical pursuit, even at the entry level. ’Way to go, Weston Ranch—thanks for keeping it going!
