TPA PERFORMING ARTS: Beginning Strings Program

By Billie Nagy

A new year brings new beginnings, and while many are attempting to follow resolutions to exercise more or eat better, a few are taking the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. Mrs. Wilkison is helping them along their way by mentoring the Beginning Strings Program.

The class, which meets in the Zelman Center every Friday morning at 7 a.m., gives willing students a great opportunity to play an orchestral string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). De Equitibus interviewed Mrs. Wilkison to get to know more about her and the Beginning Strings Program.

D.E.: What would you like students to know about the class?

Mrs. Wilkison: I would like students to know that for $40 a semester (extracurricular fee), they will have the opportunity to learn how to play a stringed instrument of their choice, play music that is beautiful and fun, learn how to play very well, and develop excellent coordination. It has also been proven that playing a stringed instrument helps one’s cognitive skills.

D.E.: What is it about teaching that you enjoy?

Mrs. W: Well, I love teaching because it makes me feel alive, alert, and present. Also, our curriculum strives to develop the whole person, not just to try and make a compliant work force.

D.E.: Why did you decide to leave the Phoenix Symphony and become a teacher at Tempe Prep?

Mrs. W: I decided to retire from the Phoenix Symphony after 30 years of playing violin, due to arthritis. Since I have always wanted to become a teacher, I decided that after retiring from the Symphony, I would love to teach music to kids.

So follow your curiosity to the Zelman Center every Friday morning and enjoy learning strings from the Maestro.