Mt. Vernon Music Outreach Program
Inspires SS Middle School Music Students

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Dr. Mary Druhan, Professor of Clarinet at TAMU-C, was an inspiration to students
at Sulphur Springs Middle School, as they look toward music futures.

 

It was a day of "inspiration" for Sulphur Springs Middle School music students, when Mt. Vernon Music brought three outstanding musicians to school in a music outreach program. The three musicians, SFC Robert Aughtry, a flutist with the U.S. Army Band, Dr. Sue Barber, a professor of bassoon at James Madison University, and Dr. Mary Druhan, Professor of Clarinet at Texas A&M University-Commerce, came and performed for the students in a concert from 8:30-11:00 Wednesday, in the Middle School Band Hall, and then answered questions from the students.

 

SFC Robert Aughtry, a member of the U.S. Army Band, answered questions and told Middle School
students about the techniques involved in playing better.

 

Most of the questions regarded where the talented musicians "got their start" in performing professionally, and who were their inspirations when growing up? Then, some students aspired for more technical information as they fielded questions regarding performance techniques, breath control, and how to improve performances.

 

 

 

"It's great to have talented musicians come and speak and perform for the students," related Middle School Band leaders. "We can talk all day long to the students, but when these musicians took the time to relate with the students and to show them some of the techniques they use to perform better, it makes much more of an impact!"

 

Dr. Sue Barber, a bassonist, and music professor at James Madison University, answered
questions regarding her music career and futures that youth might consider in music,
following her solo concert on Wednesday morning.

 

 

"Our main goal with the outreach program is to allow youth the opportunity to aspire to develop their musical talents," advised members of the Mt. Vernon group. "Most all of us shape our lives by example and when the youth are exposed to significant talent and musicians who perform at a higher level, they will tend to aspire to emulate them in the goals and aspirations!"

 

Music students at the Middle School were enthralled by Wednesday morning's presentation
and asked a number of questions.

 

 

"We want to thank Mt. Vernon Music, and these talented musicians for including our students in their busy, busy schedules," expressed Middle School Band leaders. "It was certainly  a day of enjoying good music and seeing it in our own environment!"

 

Middle School music students were able to ask a number of questions, following Wednesday morning's
concerts.

 

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