South Park student starts group to bring music to all

Thursday, September 06, 2007

By Margaret Smykla
While assisting with group saxophone and clarinet lessons for fourth-graders at
South Park Elementary Center, Stephen Barnes realized there were youngsters who
did not have access to the same opportunities he had.
It started him thinking about the importance of adequate musical instruments and
having a private music teacher to encourage and excite students about playing.
Stephen, a talented saxophonist who is a senior at South Park High School, decid
ed to put his ideas into action.
On July 7, a free concert by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra was held in South
Park, with concession sales of about $600 going to South Park Music Access, an
organization that Stephen founded this year with the school district's approval.
The organization's goal is to provide instruments and subsidized private and gro
up instruction for low-income students to foster long-term interest in music. Th
ose young musicians will be able to keep the instruments through high school.
The program will also offer an opportunity for disadvantaged children "to grow t
hrough music,'' he said, as such activities foster self-esteem, offer a creative
outlet and provide stability.
Stephen also hopes to attract guest instructors to school to benefit all student
s.
Lessons are an important aspect of the organization.
"A functioning instrument won't help the student unless you have someone there t
o get them interested and excited about playing it,'' Stephen said.
"I think it's great. There are some kids who aren't as fortunate as others,'' sa
id elementary center music director Terri Petrossi, of Bethel Park.
"I'm thrilled to have a student like Stephen, with his talent and enthusiasm, to
work with,'' Mrs. Petrossi said. "I hope that the program will grow.''
Future fund-raising venues include high school musicals and football games, and
the township's community day. Stephen also plans to contact local businesses for
donations and to solicit district vendors.
He is hoping to raise $5,000 by November, when the elementary center band progra
m begins, to finance new or refurbished instruments and to help with private les
sons.
Financial need will be based on state guidelines.
Stephen, 17, son of Douglas and Mae Barnes, began taking private lessons on the
saxophone in a studio in the home of Ted Jeanette, of Whitehall, when he was in
fifth grade.
It led to his playing in the Pittsburgh Jazz Society Student Big Band last year,
and in the high school's symphonic and jazz bands.
"I've always had a passion for music,'' he said.
To assist Stephen in his efforts, Mr. Jeanette volunteered to conduct a saxophon
e master class at the elementary center for all district students on May 3.
Before Stephen graduates next year, he hopes to make SPMA an activity of the gif
ted program or another group at the high school so it will continue.
For more, or to make a donation of money or an instrument, e-mail southparkmusic
access@hotmail.com, or write to South Park Music Access, c/o South Park High Sch
ool, 2005 Eagle Ridge Road, South Park, PA 15129.
The "Used Instruments for a Used Car'' promotion began on Aug. 31 during the hig
h school football game at South Park High School stadium.
Tickets for the raffle of a pre-owned Honda Civic can be purchased for $1. Donor
s of a used instrument will receive 50 free tickets.
Tickets can also be purchased at community day on Sept. 22.
The drawing will take place on Oct. 19 at the last home football game.