Rancho Bernardo grant provides free violin lessons, drum circle

A free intergenerational program to provide introductory violin lessons is taking place in Rancho Bernardo, one of two offerings made available through a community grant.

The Youth Philharmonic Orchestra’s three-week Fiddle Fun classes have attracted a mix of seniors and children trying their hand at the violin for the first time or resuming the instrument studied years earlier. On Mondays and Wednesdays a half-hour introductory class is offered at 4:15 p.m., followed by another class at 4:45 p.m. for those with some experience. The classes began on July 13 and conclude next week.

Starting Aug. 8, a free drum circle will meet for six Saturday sessions from noon to 1 p.m. through mid-September. Monette Marino, founder of the Mo’Rhythm School of Percussion, will lead the drum circle at the Ed Brown Center for Active Adults, 18402 W. Bernardo Drive in Rancho Bernardo Community Park. To join, go to www.yposd.org, call 858-324-4160 or send an email to info@yposd.org.

YPO Board President Victoria Eicher said the organization received a $1,200 grant from the Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation last November to provide the free violin lessons and drum circle for adults and youths age 10 and older.

“We thought we’d try something new,” Eicher said. “It’s a fun, summer activity. There is a lot of interest in playing the violin, especially since pop groups have been bringing in strings (for their music).”

As for the drum circle, she said there is “great enthusiasm” for it as well. It will use a West African style employed to tell a folk story. The djembe (drums) will be provided for participants to use. Up to 20 can be accommodated, she said.

“There are different rhythms and singing is involved sometimes,” Eicher said.

Poway resident Ulli Reiner, who founded YPO 10 years ago, teaches the violin classes. She said fiddle is the folk name for violin, indicating the style of music played, which is Americana.

Reiner said the violin is one of the easiest instruments to learn. She has given lessons to students ages 2 ½ to 75 all over the world for more than 30 years and said the violin is going through a popularity revival.

The classes are designed to teach the basics of violin playing with minimal financial investment since the instrument can be rented. If the participants enjoy it, there might be options for them to continue.

Reiner said while YPO is geared toward youngsters in the community, she would “love to have a class for seniors because they have a youthfulness … and ability to learn.”

As for having an intergenerational class, Reiner said she thinks both age groups benefit from the experience. Seeing seniors learning how to play is a great motivation for the children and the youngsters provide energy beneficial to the seniors.

“They work together in harmony,” she said, adding while children might have more manual dexterity, seniors often have better concentration.

Pat McNew said she played the violin 60 years ago in her school orchestra. “It’s been a long time,” she said, adding for the past couple years she has played the ukulele. She is borrowing her grandson’s violin.

“It’s six classes, so I thought, why not try again?” she said. “So far, so good. … I like music and playing at home when there is nothing on TV at night. There are a few things I remember (from playing decades ago).”

Elizabeth Lefcort said she briefly began violin lessons eight years ago, but had not pursued it for at least six years.

“The basic structure is in my head and what a gift to have free lessons,” Lefcort said. “I’m grateful to have the chance to renew my skills and (Ulli) is a delightful teacher. It is easier than I thought.”

Lefcort said the key is to practice a little every day and if the lessons were to continue or a senior group to form, she would join.

Mirachris Rieta said she has played the clarinet and ukulele, and been interested in the violin for some time since seeing it played on YouTube.

“It’s easy,” Rieta said, adding she plans to play the violin in fifth grade orchestra.