MARIPOSA — The Richard D. Fiester Auditorium at Mariposa County High School was rocking to the beat last Friday night as music students of all ages performed a live concert.
Admission was only five dollars and all profits went to the Beat Harvest Program and a scholarship program to pay for young people to play music.
Malte Salonen, a sophomore at Mariposa County High School who performed on drums, said, “I really enjoy Beat Harvest because it’s a chance to see how students are doing in their music and also to allow them to share their personal achievement with the people in Mariposa.”
Well-known singer, guitarist, and songwriter Adam Burns created the music education program in 2010 to inspire students to make and play music. The goal is to teach students not only to play their instrument, but also to use music to express themselves and build community.
Salonen added, “I have been playing music since I was about eight, and I have been playing drums about a year now. Our music program is primarily the band and choir. I feel like we could have more expression on our campus. I think that is what the Beat Harvest allows and brings to Mariposa. For us to have that dose of musical expression and heart is such a large part of art and showing who one is.”
The Beat Harvest music education program was established in 2010 by Burns with the mission to inspire people of all ages to make music, but also to teach them the necessary skills to do so. The biannual Beat Harvest live shows provide an opportunity for students to perform at local venues in front of a live audience.
For more information about Beat Harvest’s music lessons, please visit their website at beatharvest.com or contact Adam Burns at ajcburns@gmail.com.
