sounds very well-rehearsed , the singers are marvelous , and the songs are familiar .”
But beyond performance , he said , “ I feel like I ’ m doing a necessary service for the community ’ s cultural health . I am providing an outlet for the youth — an artistic outlet for the kids who need that outlet . The kids are working on the performance through that instrument .”
Stephens and the professional musicians they work with bring a well-rounded approach to engaging with the students . He said that music can help the students academically . But additionally , “ By teaching them how to perform , they perform , see a reaction from the audience , and it brings them more joy . Young budding teens come to me and are quiet and shy ; they aren ’ t that way at home , but by the time they are juniors , they are smiling , energetic and outgoing . It gives them an outlet to bring joy to the community .”
The music itself has heritage . It is rich in history and symbolism ; he said every generation can relate . “ Popular music doesn ’ t do that today .” The students enjoy the vintage tunes , and he said , “ It uplifts and encourages the whole crowd and community . We are doing our part to uplift and positively encourage the community by performing well .”
Now that the group is proven and is becoming better known in the community , they will seek nonprofit status . Stephens said that would allow him to take the concept to other communities through grants . He is getting a head start in Seattle and Tri-Cities .
Peterson said the group impacted his life : “ Masterclass gave me certain skills , so I had more opportunities through high school and college . Being able to play as much as I did was a big factor in my personality and how I developed as a person .”
While he still gets nervous about performing , he said practicing and playing in each performance made it more accessible . Plus , the exposure to the standards and first-hand experience with the history and purpose of the music was memorable .
Stephens said that the concert attendees love the performances and that their music is art . “ My goal is to uplift and encourage the listener . They go away feeling that their spirits are uplifted and encouraged . By seeing the future leaders of America and the future adults leading their communities ( the audience can see ), there are a lot of good kids out there . These young musical artists have a sense of history . And the older generations remember those songs and their feelings . Music represents the magic that unifies . Uplifted and encouraged is my definition of sound , art , paintings , photographs , and culture .”
CONTACT
Mark Lee Stephens mark . lee . stephens @ gmail . com
www . masterclassbb . com
Scan the QR Code to find out more .
“ Young budding teens come to me and are quiet and shy ; they aren ’ t that way at home , but by the time they are juniors , they are smiling , energetic and outgoing .”
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