” There are some incredibly talented musicians in this town and some people who have never played an instrument before. We’ re here for all of them.”
— Kara Barnard
Kara Barnard and Kristin Thompson.
Thompson and Barnard met about six years ago, when Thompson bought her first banjo and began taking lessons from Barnard.
“ Kara is an incredible musician and teacher,” Thompson said.“ When this opportunity came up it was just something I could not turn down.”
Thompson said she plans to start offering Kindermusik classes for young children.
“ I feel like it’ s really important to get kids started with music early,” she said.“ Music helps with all sorts of things— with development like dedication, focus, patience, etc. It is a good way to express emotions and can be very therapeutic.”
Another area of focus for the Weed Patch Music Company will be selling locally crafted instruments. Approximately 80 percent of the instruments sold in the store are made by Indiana artisans.
“ There’ s nothing more amazing than someone sitting in a studio and making something that makes sounds that move people,” Barnard said.“ This store gives them a voice. We’ re introducing people to these incredibly talented craftsmen.”
Barnard said there is no comparison between hand-built and mass-built instruments.
“ An artisan will spend hours and hours making sure that every piece of wood resonates with each other,” she said.“ If the connection is sloppy, you
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Nov./ Dec. 2016 • Our Brown County 25