Strongman & Del Junco mentor local students
photos by Don Beaulieu
Students mentored by Carlos del Junco and Steve Strongman Apr 1,2,3/09
Simcoe County area students have the benefit of being mentored one-on-one by well-known musicians. Stellula Music in Schools, founded by Deb Brown, funds and finds professional artists to visit local schools, music classes and songwriting clubs in particular. These performers come to the classroom, or the club meeting and talk about their experience, offer advice and of course, play a tune or two with the students.
This past April saw a pair of the country's top blues musicians work together for the first time: Steve Strongman (guitarist) and Carlos del Junco (harmonicist). These two performers are extremely experienced in a variety of musical fields. Their stories of differing paths to fame complimented one another during their time with the students, offering an insight to the varied paths life can present.
In addition to visiting schools from Midland to Stayner, the pair performed two public concerts: The Rye Cafe in Midland saw standing room only for the pair's first public performance together. Another concert at Centennial United Church in Stayner had the pair considering recording an album together.
Mid-April saw popular performer Dave Gunning visiting Penetanguishene and Midland area schools, as well as a performance at the Rye Cafe, again, to a full house. Dave also performed at a fund-raising concert for Stellula Music in Schools at the Highlands of Horseshoe Club House. Opening for Dave were local students involved in Stellula-supported song-writing clubs, as well as music duo The Gnomes.
Later in the month, local professional musician and Stellula Artistic Director Scott Cooper performed at another fund-raiser with trio The Good Lovelies, at the Huronia Museum in Little Lake Park, Midland.
Stellula Music in Schools brings these musicians into the class room at no cost to the school. Sponsorship money, which is still needed, covers the costs. Each community in which the performer mentors students, also sees that performer booked into a public venue, giving the whole community the opportunity to hear a variety of music.
A major event, featuring local students and a number of mentor musicians is taking place on Saturday, May 23 at King's Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene. The head-lining act for that event is Sara Slean. Tickets are $25, available by contacting King's Wharf Theatre. If you or your company would consider sponsoring Stellula Music in Schools, give Deb Brown a call at 705-327-3403 or email stellulamusic@gmail.com. A good overview of Stellula's endeavours and initiatives can be had at the web site www.Stellulamusic.com