What do a Fenelon Falls dentist and performers on The Grove Theatre stage have in common?
Probably many things, considering Robyn Somerville and her family have been avid Grove Theatre volunteers since the Grove’s beginnings. But like Grove performers over several seasons, who have told Q&A audiences that music in their schools was the key factor in their career path, Somerville believes strongly that music belongs in education.
She is especially thrilled that The Loft, BGC Kawarthas’ storefront youth centre in Fenelon Falls, has made music development a priority in their programming. The upcoming Raising Stars Benefit Concert for The Loft on Sunday, November 15, will include cameo performances by Somerville’s two teenagers, Sylvie and Gavin, who have been steeped in music at home.
“Music can be important, for youth of all ages, for learning and developing parts of the brain,” she says, “and there are studies providing clear evidence of that.”
As a musician herself, Somerville credits her music education for helping her through dentistry school — from coordination of fingers and hands, to the thought processes needed in dentistry. In addition, the stress relief of playing an instrument has been as valuable through the twenty-five years of her dentistry practice, as it was during university.
Music plays a huge role in family life as well.
“TVs aren’t on in our house as much as instruments. Inevitably, whatever you start playing, whether practicing for an event or a lesson, it turns into something you enjoy playing. It’s just a great stress reliever in our home.”
In a high school setting, music can be a huge social connector, says Somerville. A drama program with a musical component draws more students and talent together than drama alone.
“Music can improve and promote school spirit. A school band just makes everything louder and draws people to the games. It brings the students in the football game together with students who are not in the game.”
Somerville believes that without music opportunities, students are missing the potential social connections that music fosters.
“If The Loft can help grow youth musical development through after-school programming, what a gift to the community that would be. I hope the whole town comes out to support this benefit concert and that everyone enjoys the afternoon of jazz music at the lovely venue of the Fenelon Falls United Church.”
The Raising Stars Benefit Concert, featuring the Mike Graham Trio, takes place on Sunday, November 15, 3 - 5:30 pm, at Fenelon Falls United Church, 123 Colborne Street. Tickets are $35, available online at https://kawartha-works-community-co-operative.bloomtickets.ca/event/4055, or at the door. For more information, go to Fenelon Live! on Facebook, or call Alan Engelstad at 416-704-5555.
If you are unable to attend, please consider a donation to BGC Kawarthas music development at https://www.bgckawarthas.com/fenelon-falls-expansion/
by Diane Engelstad
