Note of recognition
Childhood is the perfect time to go out into the world and try new things.
Visit any baseball or soccer field, science or music class and you will find youngsters searching for what they like, or are good at. Once they find their talent, it can be a great source of fun and help build their self-confidence. It is disappointing to learn that sometimes, due to lack of resources or opportunity, those talents do not reach their full potential.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Elgin Community College are doing their part to make sure that those will musical talents do receive those resources and opportunities. In 2002, the two created the Jean Hove Young Musician Scholarship Program, which seeks to assist talented students from low-income households who demonstrate outstanding musical leadership abilities, yet do not receive private music lessons. Jean Hove was one of the three founding members of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
The winner of this year's scholarship is cellist Victor Barrera Jr. of Carpentersville, who is a freshman at Dundee Crown High School. Victor will receive two years of free private instrument instruction at Elgin Community College, a free instrument upon the completion of his lessons, and two seasons of free subscriptions to an ESO Classic series.
Victor was nominated during his eighth-grade year at Carpentersville Middle School by his orchestra teacher, Beth Wood. She said her nomination was based on Victor's consistent good work, good attitude, and willingness to learn and try new things.
"I think this will give him new opportunities. I thought he could really use the help of a private teacher and deserved that chance," Wood said. "His ability level is definitely going to grow and I know he will continue his hard work and enjoy the challenges that a private teacher will give him."
Erin Horan, operations and education manager at the Elgin Symphony Orchestra said they received nine nominations this year. The nomination process also includes an audition and interview with finalists and their parents and/or guardians.
"The nominations are based on the student's willingness to participate in band, leadership skills, and playing ability. We're looking for students middle school aged with a minimum of two years of musical training in band or orchestra who are underrepresented in the field of classical music," explained Horan.
Victor, who also is a member of the cross-country team and Beta Club, said he decided to try out for the orchestra in fifth grade and had to choose between the cello and the clarinet. He added it was a simple process of elimination that let him to the cello. "I couldn't blow on the clarinet," he explained.
For the scholarship audition, he chose Gavotte in C Minor by J. S. Bach.
"For that, I actually did not feel nervous at all. I felt like I was meant to win," he said. "I had played the piece previously in a solo and ensemble contest. I sort of fixed some parts that I was weak at so I could audition for the scholarship."
Victor began his lessons this fall. His parents drive him to ECC once a week to study with Nazar Dzhuryn, a cellist himself who is an ECC faculty member, as well as a member of the ESO.
"It's going pretty well so far. He's a great teacher and he's already fixed some of my weaknesses," said Victor.
Victor, who has his sights set on becoming a doctor some day, was pleased to learn that he won the scholarship.
"I felt proud and happy because it was a big thing that can open new doors," he said.