Sam Adler + Eschler Music Foundation = Music for All

I am not musically inclined. Most would say I don’t even have good taste in music. I am admittedly stuck in the 80s. My musical ability is just a tish better than my athletic prowess. The only time I was in a talent show I played keyboards in an air band. It’s not the swimsuit competition that kept me out of pageants, it’s the talent portion of the event. I did flirt with the trombone in marching band in middle school. I was the only girl in the brass section. What I really wanted was to play the drums, but my band director told me “Girls don’t play drums. Pick something else.” He motioned with his head over to the flute section. I eyed the other instruments set up on the risers in the classroom, and the shiny brass of the trombone slide beckoned me. I walked over to it, and said, “This. I’m playing this.” I looked him in the eye, daring him to tell me no twice. At least this is how I prefer to remember it. He was probably already moving down his roll sheet to the next student and couldn’t be bothered with me anymore. Nonetheless, I recall feeling fierce, if not seeming fierce.

And now my boys are learning music. Bird just played the Star Spangled Banner on the piano for the school talent show. I was weepy with pride. He’s just switched to guitar, and when I look at his room now I feel as if he’s old enough to be shaving, the floor of his room littered with an amp, Princess Leia-esque headphones, and basketball shoes. He sits up there in his bean bag chair and practices songs by One Republic and The Black Eyed Peas. Chopsticks no more.

Deal just started piano lessons. He’s eager to practice, and like his brother, seems to be a natural. Or maybe I’m just a proud mom. Whatever. Deal’s lessons are in a gem of a music studio in the Boylan Heights neighborhood of downtown Raleigh. I’m surprised no one has written about this little marvel yet. Eschler Music Foundation. The venue is squirreled away in a little old depot building that is big on character. Victoria, Deal’s teacher, is lovely. Her smile, warmth, and energy are ten degrees of charming. The difference between Eschler and other places we checked out piano lessons is the commitment to the community. Victoria and her husband Nathan are a dynamo team that works hard to integrate art and music into the everyday. It’s this philosophy that makes their style so engaging, making playing music a release, not a chore. And most importantly, Eschler Music Foundation wants to make music accessible. The joy of music is not for the privileged alone. You know this is the stuff that floats my boat.

How about an evening out to support Eschler Music Foundation’s scholarship program? Every cent of the proceeds go toward bringing music into the lives of kids who wouldn’t otherwise have it. What joy, confidence, and fulfillment music brings to my sons. I would love to share that with other families.

Eschler Music Foundation is hosting an evening with world renown composer Sam Adler, who serves on the advisory board. He’s on the faculty at Juilliard, people. Adler’s accomplishments are too great to list here, but do take the time to read more. It’s kind of a big deal that Sam Adler is coming to Raleigh. And most importantly, he’s not coming for the glitterati frou-frou crowd. We regular chumps can go and have a grand time while raising money for EMF’s scholarship fund. I could make a joke about putting the fun in fund but I’ll spare you. Note that stand up comedy was also not a talent option for my pageantry.

Arias and Art Songs Fundraiser
Thursday, February 28, 2013
7 to 9 pm
Capital City Club