The Longwood Center for Community Music Helps Make Connections

FARMVILLE – Dr. Lisa Kinser wanted to create a space for the Farmville family to make music and memories. In her 2014 sabbatical, the music professor at Longwood University did just that. With a small team in Longwood, Kinser launched the Center for Community Music (LCCM). This program was created to teach music to anyone who has a song in their heart.

Currently under the direction of Dr. Kristen Topham, LCCM is a program operated through the Longwood School of Music that offers both private and group piano and string lessons to young Farmville residents. Originally created and championed by Kinser, his LCCM has done a great job of bringing families together under a shared love of music.

Although Topham did not remain director of the Longwood Center of Community Music, he has been involved in all stages of its development. She stood alongside Kinser at her first start in 2014, and after Kinser returned to the classroom, Topham took the helm and has been the director ever since.

She sees it as slow but steady progress, building popularity and gaining general recognition in the community. Over the past few years, COVID may have slowed the program, but it certainly hasn’t stopped the passion. As the years passed and the worst subsided, the Longwood Center of Community Music rebounded with the same momentum it left off.

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LCCM previously offered both piano and strings classes for all ages, but now focuses more on younger age groups, especially toddlers. you heard that right. We are talking toddlers and above. The program Topham was most excited about was the “Music Together” class for ages 0 to her 5. This class is offered to those who have recently welcomed a bundle of joy and wish to strengthen both their hearts and ties.

“The power of live music and making music together in a live environment is amazing to see babies understand music in a natural way,” said Topham. What we can do is provide a way for these little ones to bond with their parents, as well as a way for their brains to grow and expand outside of colored blocks and toys.”

Topham added the results have multiple benefits

“You see these kids are more academically inclined,” said Topham. It’s very good.”

form a band

Even if you’re not familiar with the center itself, you may have heard of one of its projects. LCCM offers a volunteer symphony named Heart of Virginia Band (HoV Band). Always open to all ages and skill ranges, the HoV Band literally cheers on the community. rice field. The band has recently been building momentum to perform again in the near future, with much anticipation.

When asked about the influence of the HoV Band seen around Farmville, Topham remarked on the band’s ability to create beautiful and healthy environments.

“I’ve seen it bring families closer together, bind families together, and impact children who are now able to create music they couldn’t before.

The Heart of Virginia Band proves that live music and performances that incorporate community are essential not only for Farmville, but for strengthening ties among neighbors. Having a space to unwind and hang out with friends and family is essential to living a full and happy life, and the Heart of Virginia Band provides just that.

what’s coming

Preparations for the next season of music are well underway and registration is now open for the next semester of Music Together (ages 0-5) starting March 18th. MORE MUSIC Her Together classes are coming soon. Currently, piano lessons from beginner to level 1 are available. Violin lessons taught by Dr. Lauretta Werner are also available to young students wishing to develop and expand their curriculum in the future.

Upcoming classes will be announced on the Longwood University website on July 1st. In addition to curating further plans for next semester, we are working with various other organizations such as the Longwood Center for Visual Arts to enable future performances by the Heart of Virginia Band. There is also talk of sex.

Music is one of the most basic and primitive ways humans communicate with each other. Our staff believe that the Longwood Center of Community Music has created a wonderful way to connect with the community and family around you and develop your own talents. As the spring flowers begin to bloom and the sun begins to shine, there’s no better way to welcome the sunshine than with live music and memories.

For more information about the Heart of Virginia Band, visit heartofvacommunityband.org or email heartofvacommunityband@gmail with any questions. com.

Evelyn Wozniak wrote this article for The Farmville Herald.