Orono's Got Talent

Sixty local students showcased their musical talents last week at the Discovery School of Music (DSM) spring recital.

Musical selections ranged from Beethoven to the Beatles. One student, Ben Weinbeck, created his own guitar composition dubbed "Ben's Blues."

It was nine-year-old Marit Francis's first recital.

"It was fun playing piano on stage," she says. "But I should've worn a different dress ... this one is itchy!"

Zachary Sheridan, 8, played a Strauss piano piece beautifully despite breaking two fingers earlier this year.

"Zachary's instructor gave him music to study during the months that he couldn't practice, so that he could keep up," explained dad Daniel Sheridan.

The Muellers of Orono came to watch all three of their kids perform. Twelve-year-old Annika has studied trumpet for two years. 

"I chose trumpet because the sound is pretty and that's what I play in the school band," she says. 

Her brothers play piano. 

"Our kids start their music lessons with piano," says dad John Mueller. "We feel that music rounds out their education and provides a good outlet for them."

In her fifth year as DSM program coordinator, Robin Rhodes tackles the job of scheduling weekly lessons for over 80 students and seven instructors, as well as planning recitals. Rhodes thanked the crowd for supporting the arts and received a round of applause in recognition of her service to DSM. Rhodes will resign the position in July due to a family move.

The Discovery School of Music offers private lessons in string, woodwind and brass instruments, piano, guitar, drum/percussion and voice. This year, Suzuki violin instruction was added to the program.

Group classes include Tiny Tunes (for toddlers), Little Mozarts (for preschoolers and kindergarteners), Show Choir (for elementary students) and Making the Band (for teens).

For more information or to register, contact DSM at 763-479-1530 ext. 220 or www.oronocommunityed.com.