Music instructor Rachel Harris from Nixa, Missouri, brought her community orchestra group to perform on Saturday, August 24, at 6 p.m. The event was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Approximately 100 seats were set up for family and friends to enjoy a variety of music from 25 students performing solo and group performances composed by Richard Meyer, L.J. Robertson, F. Dotzauer, Ludovico Einaudi and Beethoven.
This is Rachel’s 24th year teaching and composing music. She states, "My grandpa was a band director when I was young, and in fourth grade I was shown a variety of band instruments. I played the cello all the way to my senior year. However, I liked the viola and my mother had one I could use for competitions which took nine months to prepare. You play the same eight notes, 56 measures for nine months. My mom taught me how to play the viola. The viola has a different clef, and I had to recruit people to play the cello so I could play the viola. I became a one-man band and later took a master class. At age 14 I began teaching after being first chair cello at a Messiah event. An older man asked me if I taught cello and my instructor said, yes. I taught for five years. I was 17 when I graduated from high school and had 15 students in my studio."
Rachel has students from Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Highlandville and Branson. She has taught over 200 students over the last 24 years. She lives in Nixa, Missouri, with her husband and two girls ages 14 and 10. She noticed there is a huge gap and a need for a community orchestra group which individualizes talented students and performers based on their level of experience. There are other performing groups, youth symphonies, etc. in the area. However, there is a need for opportunities like a community orchestra to continue learning. Every Monday at 6:45 p.m. there is practice at her studio. There is no charge for participating; just bring your violin, viola or cello. However, if you are interested in private lessons you can speak with her about that. She has space for homeschoolers in the morning and there is a waiting list for the afternoon. She says, "it doesn't matter what level a person is at. Even beginners can play the music and rise up to the level of advance. The atmosphere allows progress to those who come regularly, by learning through osmosis, or learning from others in a group".
She has had many stories of experiences with her students and performances. One story is of a current student named Natalie Pool. "I appreciate Natalie who is obsessed with playing the cello.” She tells me, "I wanna play this song and then she has it written and simplified for her to play. She puts the music in the computer and she does such a good job arranging for her skill level. She makes it easy for me. She's top notch."
To contact Rachel, email her at RachelJH5514@gmail.com.
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