Young musicians demonstrated that they learned more than how to skillfully play their instruments at the Youth Center’s Elementary School Spring Finale Band Concert on May 12 at McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos. More than 300 attended the event, which included spine tingling improv performances by the 4TH and 5th graders in the Jazz Combo Band under the direction of Youth Center instructor Tom Mitter.
“We’re using music to teach life skills,” said Mitter. “They are learning attendance, responsibility, self esteem and poise. Music is the vehicle we are using to teach them these things.”
One drummer was 11-year-old Adam Jaffe of Los Alamitos who has been fascinated with percussion ever since he a toddler, according to his father Brent Jaffe. “Music has benefited him immensely,” he said. “It’s given him a chance to be creative, motivated and well-rounded.” Brent is a straight ‘A’ student who is now on the Honor Roll at Lee Elementary School in Los Alamitos, plays all-star baseball and is in the Cub Scouts.
Music is also fun for 11-year-old Nathan Morones of Long Beach who talentedly and skillfully performed in the Jazz Combo Band. This young man’s talent was very apparent to the audience who could be heard saying ‘bravo,’ while rigorously giving applause. His concentration on his performance was that of a professional musician as he kept time and rhythm. Nathan has been playing trumpet for three years through the Youth Center and has been taking private lessons through Applied Music in Los Alamitos. Of his love for music, he says it’s fun and gives him a chance to express himself especially in solos.
“He’s been interested in music since he was one year old,” said father Eric Morones. “We’ve got videos of him dancing and singing, and at an early age he was always banging on something. I’m convinced music makes you smarter. He does really well in school, and developed good communication and social skills.”
“It takes a lot – playing these instruments is not easy,” said Mitter. “They are reading music and following tempo. The key to enjoying it is practicing. If parents praise them for practicing, then the kids will have fun.”
Although the Youth Center’s Elementary Music Program for this school year is coming to a close, parents interested in giving their children the joy of music can enroll them in the Youth Center’s Summer Music Program which will be held in July. Students can choose from classes in strings, band instruments, guitar and keyboard instruction for $59, with instrument rental costing $15. And, this year, they’re inviting parents to also learn an instrument with their child’s for just $20. For more information and to register, visit theyouthcenter.org, stop by their office or call The Youth Center at 562-493-4043.
