It’s never too early to learn at the CSO

Story by Josh Hildebrandt and Jennifer Crutchfield

It’s never too early to learn music in the DeCredico family and their children; 10, 8, 6 and 4 play a myriad of instruments. The love each over, adore being a family in Chattanooga and celebrate all of the lessons that they learn together.

Suzanne and Richard came to Chattanooga on a trip for the rock climbing.  They were both from the Northeast and when they became parents Chattanooga made the best sense to raise their children.  Nature and adventure were abundant, culture was vibrant and it was an affordable place to live.

Sophia and Winston were toddlers when they decided that Chattanooga was the place to be.  Violet and Audrey came along in due time and when the decision about kindergarten came Suzanne and Richard realized that they were already doing it together and enjoying that time with their children.  As the family evaluated their options for school their decision was less about the local school system and more about the resources in town and their family’s time together.

Sophie, now 10, has started as a 6^th grader at CCA (Chattanooga Creative Arts) and the younger kids are following a curriculum of family activities and events that include dance, music, theatre and reading include top-knotch instructors from the CSO, Cadek Conservatory and local musicians.

Their science, nature and geology classes are usually on amazing boulders and big adventures, right in their back yard.  They learn together, whether it’s Chinese or music and the selection of sounds from the flying fingers of this family tribe is remarkable.  Sophie (10) plays the violin and piano, Winston (8) plays the viola and piano, Violet (6) plays the cello and piano and Audrey (4) plays the violin.

Suzanne was amazed when she bought materials for Sophie’s first class and realized that children as young as 4 could learn to play instruments.  The opportunities offered by Chattanooga’s museums, non-profits and social organizations expand horizons for children who crave knowledge and families who embrace learning together.

The Chattanooga Symphony and Orchestra Youth Orchestra offers opportunities for students of all ages.

The hallways of Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences echo with the harmonious sounds of musical instruments intermingled with the excited voices of over a hundred students.  Small students play violins passionately, middle school girls whisper loudly about the upcoming concert and everyone gazes at the young faces with their amazing instruments.

Parents glance, bemused, at a group of six- and seven-year-olds who walk past with their sophisticated instruments in hand.  The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestras (CSOYO) rehearsals are in full swing.

“Most people do not realize that children who are five and six years old can play instruments.” And as a mom with different aged children she explains that, “It’s exciting for students to be a part of something where it is the level of your ability that matters, instead of your age.”

A perfect example of this is DeCredico’s daughter, Violet.  Violet is a six-year-old homeschooled student and the youngest member of the CSOYO.  She is a cello player who uses a 1/10-size cello and a custom stand that is short enough so she can see the conductor. During practices, she uses a stool that can be raised and lowered, since she is too small to sit on a regular-sized chair.

Asked why she plays music, Violet replies, “I really like the sounds of the songs I play on my cello.”  Violet quickly goes on to describe that when she practices at home, she sets up her stuffed animals in front of her so she can always have an audience.

“This way I will not be nervous when I have to play in front of people.”

The DeCredico children reflect the significant impact of arts education and the pivotal role that organizations play in providing opportunities for the area’s young people.  DeCredico is enthusiastic about the role that the CSOYO has in the community: “The CSOYO shows how Chattanooga is open to arts for people of all ages.”

“It is really great that students can get started playing young, and that way will remember playing music at all times.”