By Mary-Justine Lanyon
The Arrowhead Arts Association has changed its focus over the years from just providing music to the mountain communities to promoting more learning of music in the Rim schools.
Ken Camarella, the AAA vice president, shared this thought with the guests who had been invited to attend and enjoy this year’s Classics on the Lake, held on the lakeside lawn of Dinah Ruch’s home in Point Hamiltair.
He noted that over the more than 20 years AAA has offered the strings program – through which they provide the teachers, the instruction and the instruments – 100 children a year have benefited from it.
Guitarist Rafa Soto delighted the audience with his repertoire of classical, pop and jazz pieces.
That AAA has been successful in providing an impetus for young people to get into music was borne out by the performances of three young musicians over the course of the Saturday afternoon. James, Adam and Emily played a variety of pieces, ranging from classical to popular. The guests sat spellbound, amazed at the young musicians’ talent.
The guest musician at the July 19 event was guitarist Rafa Soto, whose repertoire ranged from classical to pop to jazz. As his fingers flew over the strings, the music he coaxed from his instrument drew appreciative applause from the audience.
Javier, whose daughter Emily plays the cello, told the guests that, after moving to the mountain five years ago, he was “shocked at the accessibility of music.” Emily started playing cello two years ago and plans to go to Italy with the MountainTop Strings in 2026. His son Sebastian plays the viola.
This strings program, Javier said, “changes a lot of lives. I have talked to parents who said their children would never have had a chance to play stringed instruments without it.”
When Camarella asked the three students if they wanted to share anything, Emily noted she had been asking to play cello since she was 6. She finally got her chance – and her cello – through AAA.
James, who is 14, said he had already been to Italy with MountainTop Strings and plans to go again. Adam thanked AAA for the opportunities it has given him.
While listening to the music, the guests enjoyed appetizers prepared by Chef Tami Pounds and wine provided by the AAA Auxiliary.
For more information on the Arrowhead Arts Association and its future events, visit www.arrowheadarts.org.
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