Although we’ve continued to stay apart, our Spectrum community has continued to use the creative arts as a way to stay connected. We have been so impressed with the resilience and creativity we’ve seen in our students with this transition. This week we are thrilled to feature Sasha on the organ!
Tell us about your musical background
Sasha: I started to learn musical instruments when
I was 4. I learned the ukulele in preschool. Then I learned the piano,
recorder, and guitar in music lessons. I learned to play the banjo and
dulcimer some also. Now I am learning to play the organ.
What made you interested in learning the organ?
Sasha: There was a Wurlitzer organ sitting at the elder home where I volunteer that no one
was playing. They said I could explore it and I loved all the different
sounds that an organ can make. I decided I wanted to learn to play it.
Spectrum Creative Arts doesn’t have an organ – where do you have
lessons?
Sasha: I am lucky to be able to use the pipe organ at a church in
Pittsford for my lessons. I can’t wait to go back when everything opens
up again. In the meantime I have a small organ at home.
You do a lot of volunteering in the community – how do you use
music to help others?
Sasha: I really like to visit with elders at an elder
home in my neighborhood. They like music too and so I lead sing alongs
so we can sing and play together. I play on their organ or on my guitar.
Do you have any big musical goals?
Sasha: Yes, I would like to play music
for church services someday.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about learning an
instrument, but nervous about starting something new?
Sasha: I would say, don’t be scared. It is good to try new things. I tried other instruments like
the clarinet, saxophone and violin too; that way I found the ones I like
the best. I don’t think most people learn to play all at once. It’s okay
to just do a little bit at a time. Then it gets easier with practice.