Yes! There is a group of talented, knowledgeable, hard-working and improvement-minded musicians working together to establish and grow musical communities in the Richmond area!

These were my first thoughts as I first heard about Da Capo Institute in the summer of 2008. Reading about the many group and private lesson offerings described here on Da Capo’s site, I was impressed- not only by Da Capo’s commitment to provide the highest level of instruction to every student, but also by the varied backgrounds of the faculty and staff- a sign of the respect for different styles of music and value of the individual that Da Capo possesses. The class that struck me as the most innovative and necessary was Vivo, a group-style offering for children with special needs, and I am proud to now be a team member of its teaching staff.

Working with Vivo is an amazing experience. As is true for every Da Capo offering, we implement the model of Love it, Learn it, Live it in every class, and I am able to witness firsthand the excitement and pride in our students’ faces, voices and musical movements as they love participating in our activities, learn musical concepts, and involve their families with homework assignments. We incorporate different activities and teaching styles so that we include and engage every student as much as possible in every class meeting.

Just like many mainstream classes, we have goals and standards that we encourage our students to reach, but unique to Vivo, we have the wisdom and experiences of three dedicated musicians- a trained musical therapist (Heidi Thurmond, lead teacher), a former school music teacher (Jessica Coaker), and the mother of a child with special needs (myself)- teaching together in one class. Working with Heidi and Jessica, two Da Capo veterans, confirms at every meeting that my first thoughts about Da Capo were true: this is indeed a group of talented musician-teachers dedicated to improving the way music is taught and experienced, starting with the individual and growing musical communities together. I look forward to every Vivo class- every challenge as well as every smile, clap or shout of joy when a student enjoys belonging to our own musical community.

As a composer, I enjoy experiencing many different, unique working parts come together to form one work of art. The instructors and students at Da Capo do just that, and I am thrilled to be among their ranks.

By Emma Prillaman: Da Capo Charter Student

Being a piano student at the Da Capo Institute is an inspiring, once in a lifetime experience that I wouldn’t want to miss. This experience enhanced, not only my piano playing skills but also my piano playing skills, but also my ability to play in front of others.

Every five weeks all individual students, (including voice, piano, violin, and flute) come together and share their music in a gathering called Studio Class. In Studio Class, first, everyone shares their name and what musical instrument they would share. Next, one at a time they would share their musical talent with everyone. After, the students acting as the audience would comment on the performance given, commenting on what the performer could improve on, and what he or she did right. Everyone went home trying to remember the constructive criticism they’d been given.

Being a part of The Da Capo Institute has inspired me to use my gift to help people in my community. One way I made a difference was by going to Morningside, a home for elderly folks who need assistance, and I performed. When I glanced out at the audience, everyone was smiling, so I knew I had made a difference in their day.

You may not know this, but I’m also a singer, I’m a part of Da Capo’s group voice instruction, Animato. You may be wondering, “What does Da Capo and Animato mean?” Well, Da Capo means start from the beginning in Italian, and Animato means animated.

I’ve let Da Capo make a difference in my life, how about you?

By Alyssa Prillaman - Da Capo Charter Student

When I was nine, I became a singer in Animato, a singing group designed for children in third, fourth, and fifth grade. We sang bunches of new and different songs, ranging from an opera chorus in “Carmen”, to an old African American spiritual song. We even learned a song called “Marienwurmchen”, which means ladybug in German.

During all sessions, we would have a focus point, such as folk songs or opera. Sometimes, we had interesting visitors come and talk to us about what kind of music they made. Completing fun homework assignments was also cool. We got the chance to make acrostics and we even illustrated one song. I learned a lot from researching famous composers, like Johannes Brahms and George Bizet.

The teachers were probably the best part about Animato. Mr. Lindsey rocks out on the piano for us and he always gives a little pizzazz to the group. Miss Heidi sometimes accompanies us on her flute, also. Last, but certainly not least, my mom, Miss Tracee, is the main director. She always manages to make you feel at home and you can ask her anything!

Animato and I have been an awesome pair these past couple of years, but I can’t wait until the fall when I will be in Cantare, the middle school group. I’ve learned so many new things this year, but now, it’s time for me to go up, up, and away soaring to new heights!

Each day I work with my Da Capo students, I am convinced that love it, learn it, live it is the right approach! Each week, I see my students, young and old, coming to me with excitement and a real passion for what they do!

We study hard learning about the voice or the piano, music history, musical terms and language, notes, and rhythms. Over the course of our time together, we talk about how we've shared our music with others or how we plan to do that in the coming week. The students almost always leave feeling encouraged about themselves and the music they made that day. Yes, we work hard each time we come together, but it is always worth it!

I tell my students all the time that there is no down-side to making/studying music. This is so true! What a wonderful way to spend your time-singing, playing, composing, listening. It does require discipline, practice, and determination. However, look at the opportunities it provides for self-expression, personal growth and development, and exposure to the beautiful things in life.

I encourage all of you as readers to spend your time making music.

I went to Bel Canto rehearsal last night feeling some pressure. We have a Benefit concert for Richmond's Habitat for Humanity at Woodland Hts Baptist Church on 5/17. Yes that is only 3 weeks away. I was tired, feeling behind, and generally down a bit because of work, etc.. You know the "regular" list...

I was inspired by a group of adult musicians who came together, focused and made real progress. The "sun rising" section of Thompson's Last words of David was absolutely inspirational in its spirit. We can and will get better, but I felt the passion working through the applied discipline. The application of these singers in the dedication of their time made a difference in my day and likely in theirs. I left rehearsal, refreshed and renewed in my belief that music is a supernatural "thing" and a gift from our creator. It can and does lift spirits and perform miracles for the mind and the body.

Image above is from: an online gallery of Judith Webb

Well it all started when my piano teacher (Mrs. Prillaman) told me to write a song. So I did. When I showed it to her she said to add to it. So I added six measures. When I showed it to her again she was amazed and loved it. And that’s where she said I will play it in two concerts, this one and one other. But yet I wonder, am I the only one in Da Capo that had this happen or am I one of the people in a long line that has had this happen? But right now, all that really matters, is that I’m here today with all of you and I’m playing a song I wrote and I’m proud of that.

This week, I will sing and lead a lot. Like most musicians, Christmas and Easter are pretty overwhelming with the sheer volume of performances. I began today at HRBC in the chancel choir leading a beautiful Palm Sunday service. On Thursday, Tracee and I both will sing at Woodland Hts Baptist in a wonderful solo quartet as part of "From Olivet to Calvary". We have had a great time rehearsing with our friends the Hulins, and building a new relationship with wonderful bass/baritone James Lynn. The performance is sure to be a great opportunity for all of us to make music together, further building our "community". Tues Nt, we will participate in and lead rehs for Da Capo. We will conclude our Holy week back at HRBC in the choir for Easter Sunday.

These experiences make a difference in our days every time. Every minute of every rehearsal is a chance to make music and to better ourselves through working with others. I had a great discussion with a friend and fellow BelCanto singer after worship today. We talked about singing, the hard parts, using the interest and not the principal, technique, intentions, styles, etc... That time made a difference in my day for sure.

All of these chances go by so quickly that in a few weeks it will all seem like a blur. A flash, a moment in time for us...

Painting by student Mandy Hermann's. Displayed at Robious Elementary during school year

2006-7

Stunned, Inspired, Refreshed, Renewed, Excited, Intimidated, Overwhelmed, Humbled...

On a cold, rainy Friday night here in Richmond, the exquisite Westminster choir demonstrated a level of choral excellence and musicianship that is rarely heard in our local churches and schools. These young musicians, after 11 hours on a bus, engulfed the dinner provided for them in a short time, and then proceeded to amaze and inspire the crowd of ~500 attendees. Their presentation of Raua needmine "Curse upon iron" by Estonian composer Veljo Tormis presented the primal essence of man, in war, as we hurl our iron upon the world. Its energy evoked deep emotions in my soul and the use of vocal symphonic effect was most effective. A WWII veteran spoke to me during the first intermission, after the first round of standing ovations, and said that he had never seen or heard a piece of music present such a profound example of the urgency, terror and confusion of a battlefield. Closing their concert with John the Revelator by Paul Caldwell, the energy in the sanctuary was overwhelming and humbling at the same time. They are indeed at a special place, and they are blessed by their experiences. They blessed us by sharing that passion and discipline so expertly.

Our world is in desperate need of the excellence demonstrated by these musicians. Our art can make a difference. The quote below, written by Dr. Charles Hulin IV was presented as part of the opening remarks:

The Artists’ Perspective
Artists are interested in expressing the human condition. They are interested in all of life. As an art form, classical music explores every facet of the human condition: pain, passions, conflict, disappointments, as well as love, joy, peace, self-control, and much more. As music gives a broad picture of human experience, it provides a tremendous gift to the church. It shows something of the need for God in daily life outside the church’s walls. It also speaks of the presence of God wherever we find ourselves.

I am working with one student who has made a terrific transformation over the past 6 months. I call this person the "Da Capo posterchild"! This student came to me with serious peformance anxiety issues. So afraid to share their music with others. Through support, encouragement, education, and passsion, this student has risen to each performance opportunity with fabulous results.

This person is excited to be a part of studio classes and end of session performances. This student is setting an example for their family and teaching their younger sibling piano. This student works hard week after week to meet and exceed their goals.

You can do it too! We all have the power to transform people/situations with our music. Don't ever be afraid to share who you are! We all are unique!