As Hernando kids go back to school, they might find themselves facing limited options in terms of arts education. Yet one popular arts organization is stepping up to the plate, and onto the stage, offering musicians of all ages a place to learn and play.
Formed in 2007 as the Hernando Youth Orchestra and reorganized in 2023, the Hernando Community Orchestra—conducted by Maestro John St. John and conductor Alan Breithaupt—now welcomes musicians of all ages. These dedicated musicians volunteer their time and talents to perform at assisted living facilities, retirement communities, and various local festivals and events (such as the Brooksville Christmas tree lighting) throughout the year. Beyond offering their gift of music to the community, the orchestra offers music education to members.
“Studies have shown that kids who study music experience a 17 percent boost in academic performance,” said Ellen Paul, executive director of the Hernando Community Orchestra. “Those who study music improve their ability to concentrate, sharpen math and reading skills, hone their leadership skills, and are also happier.”
Paul was greatly concerned by the news regarding recent cuts in arts education in this and other areas.
“Arts classes and clubs weren’t just cut,” she said. “They were slashed.”
Yet the orchestra is coming to the rescue, gearing up for an exciting season of performances—and partnerships.
“Aside from offering music education to our members, we engage our older musicians to serve as mentors for younger players,” said Paul. “As the kids stand side by side with veteran performers, they tend to say, ‘Hey, they’re pretty good. Maybe I can learn from them’. Many end up taking lessons from the older members.”
By playing in the orchestra, Hernando students can earn the required community service hours for school. Also, in the educational realm, the orchestra offers an Instrument Petting Zoo at the Hernando County Fine Arts Council’s yearly Art in the Park events. As a part of this program, kids are encouraged to sample the various musical instruments on hand at ‘the zoo.’
Members participate in the orchestra free of charge and can borrow instruments from the organization for the duration of their membership. “We need pianists, violinists, string, horn and oboe players, cellos, French horns, flutes, clarinets, everything,” she said.
Upon their entrance into the orchestra, musicians should be able to read music and have some musical proficiency. By playing music of various kinds, they enhance their musical knowledge and history. “We play classical music, like Mozart, Brahms, and Beethoven,” said Paul. But we mix it up and have fun. The kids’ favorite piece comes from the soundtrack of Pirates of the Caribbean.”
As kids play, they learn skills that can be easily applied to any academic subject or life situation. According to the orchestra website, https://hernandocommunityorchestra.org/, music increases a child’s self-esteem and focus, even as it develops their creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
“We’ve had youth orchestra musicians go on to get music scholarships,” said Paul, “And become professional musicians.”
For older orchestra musicians, the benefits of orchestra membership are many and varied.”Older musicians who continue to play can sharpen their cognitive skills,” said Paul. “And they tend to be happier.”
Paul, for her part, would be very happy to see more members of all ages in the Hernando Community Orchestra, which rehearses on Sunday afternoons at the United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
“We’ve had entire families play together in the orchestra,” she said. “We’d love to see that continue.”
