Felici Trio Brings Music to the Classrooms
World-class musicians expose Mono County children to classical music
Chamber Music Unbound has been introducing classical music to an entire generation of Mono County students. Chamber Music Unbound is the Felici Trio—cellist Brain Schuldt, pianist Steven Vanhauwaert and violist Rebecca Hang. They offer music education programs, but their biggest contribution to the community is the music they play and share.
They are traveling minstrels. Even though they stay mostly on the Eastside, they get to the farthest communitites. Kids learn the basics of music and music appreciation and get a rare chance to hear and experience timeless music played by consummate professionals.
“Brian and Rebecca are supremely divine human beings,” Mammoth Elementary School Principal Rosanne Lampariello told The Sheet.
“It’s all about instilling a love of music in the kids,” she said. “They’re a gift to the community.”
“If it wasn’t for their presence, most students probably would not get exposed to classical music,” said Dr. Stacey Adler, Mono County Superintendent of Schools. Local elementary students get their first dose of Mozart and Bach from some of the finest musicians on the West Coast.
Adler said finding the caliber of musicians equal to the Felici Trio would be hard to find even in a larger city or school district.
Lee Vining Elementary Principal Roger Yost said the program is “awesome” and the members of the Trio are so generous with their gift of music.
Small schools don’t always have the opportunity to have a music program, and Chamber Unbound has essentially become the music program, Yost told The Sheet. “I don’t know what we’d do without them. They’re our source of music.”
The musicians travel to Lee Vining weekly to give lessons on stringed instruments to the budding players. Adler’s own children practiced under Hang and are still jamming.
The kids and the musicians make a connection, they click, and the kids get interested in the music, says Yost. The couple, Hang and Schuldt, are patient and kind, making the kids feel comfortable, Yost said. They’re fantastic with the students.
