This summer Iola children from sixth to eighth grade have an opportunity to explore the world of music through an enrichment program directed by newly hired band director Matt Kloepfer.
Kloepfer will direct band classes in Iola High School and Iola Middle School.
As a professional musician, Kloepfer said he wants students in the community to become excited about the opportunities music can provide.
“I want to build their love of music and the confidence they have in themselves that they can play and enjoy that music,” Kloepfer said.
One of the ways he has gone about doing that is getting the community involved in collecting the tools needed. Through an initiative started in collaboration with the Bowlus Fine Arts Center called, “Save the Music,” Kloepfer has received nine instruments in varying degrees of condition.
“The community showed they cared when we asked them to help us,” Kloepfer said. “I think the level of interest people are showing has been great so far.”
With new instruments coming in and older instruments being put back into working order, Kloepfer has turned his attention toward the most important aspect of his job, getting students interested in playing an instrument and working to bring out their inner musician.
Starting Tuesday, Kloepfer began giving private lessons.
Fledgling trumpeter Bret Plumlee, 11, came in to start his path of musical enlightenment.
“I’ve always been interested in playing,” Plumlee said. “My brother plays saxophone so I wanted to do something different.”
Plumlee’s interest in music first started when his grandfather brought home a horn from Israel. Plumlee couldn’t put it down and knew he wanted to get into music. After his first lesson ever, his desire to play has been fueled.
“I had a lot of fun today,” Plumlee said. “I think it’s cool to play.”
Plumlee isn’t the only neophyte musician to show up. The band director spent time with several other students as well.
“We had three clarinet players show up for a lesson,” Kloepfer said. “They really played their hearts out. The thing I’m most encouraged by is the desire these kids are showing when they are here. You can see they really want to be here. The parents aren’t pushing them as much as the kids are asking to be here.”
Going forward, the rest of the summer will be highlighted by weekly lessons punctuated with other opportunities outside of the classroom.
“Next Tuesday we’re going to take some kids to Wichita to see ‘Drums Across Kansas 2012,’” Kloepfer said. “There’s going to be several drum and bugle corps there from around the country. I want the kids to see what someone can do with enough practice and hard work. I hope it’ll inspire them.”
