Parade of Pianos puts youngsters on fast track for success
By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
Fostering musical talent among High Desert youth is among Apple Valley resident Paul Starks’ greatest passions. According to Starks, former music director for the Victor Valley Museum & Art Gallery, learning to play an instrument will put youngsters on a fast track to success for the rest of their lives.
With that philosophy in mind, Stark founded the Parade of Pianos organization in 2009. Its goal is to provide young musicians with instruments, as well as opportunities to hone their skills while performing for live audiences. Over the years, local students have played at churches, schools, retirement homes and a variety of other venues.
At 1 p.m. on Feb. 7, Parade of Pianos will take the stage in Apple Valley at the High Desert Center for Spiritual Living (HDCSL), 18575 Corwin Road. Starks said the 90-minute concert will serve as a fundraiser for his organization, as well as HDCSL. It will feature classical music performances by several students, as well as two seniors who are members of his organization.
“The majority of the performances are solo and I let the kids play anything they want to,” said Starks, “although most of the selections are classical because that is the type of music Parade of Pianos promotes.”
Starks said audiences can expect to hear compositions from great composers such as Beethoven, Debussy and Schubert at the upcoming concert. One student is set to play “Flight of the Bumble Bee” by Beethoven and another will perform Schubert's “Impromptu No. 2, Opus 90.”
Along with the piano selections, there also will be performances by guitarists, violinists and cellists, Starks said.
“I wanted to open this up to all musicians so anyone who plays an instrument could take advantage of this opportunity,” said Starks, who has taught jazz history classes at Victor Valley College. “There’s quite a bit of talented kids here in the High Desert.”
While there will be plenty of instrumental music during the Parade of Pianos show at HDCSL, audience members also will be treated to the sounds of the Granite Hills High School choir.
The ensemble recently earned the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall after receiving a Gold rating last April at the WorldStridesSteve Hunt 1/23/15 cq Heritage Performance Festival competition in Las Vegas.
“I am very passionate about classical music, so we have a strong tradition in that genre here at Granite Hills,” said Shane Churchill, director of the choir.
Along with the Granite Hills High School choir, the High Desert-based folk/pop trio Harmoni by Three will perform. Brad Hogarty, guitarist for the group, said its set for the evening will include songs such as “Sentimental Journey,” “Til There Was You,” “Dream A Little Dream,” “In My Life” and “Somewhere Out There.”
“I think it’s great that Paul is doing so much to expand the musical education of area youngsters,” said Hogarty. “Helping the kids is what it’s all about.”
Tickets for the event are $10 per person and will be available at the door the night of the show. For more information, call 760-242-2302.