At only 9 years old, Pierce Taylor barely stands taller than his cello. He has spent a third of his life playing to crowds as large as 5,000. So a recital he gave at Music Haven Wednesday evening did not give him any butterflies.
As world-famous cellists wowed a sold-out crowd at nearby Sprague Hall, 12 budding young New Haven cellists performed at their own recital at Music Haven, the not-for-profit music education hub on Whalley Avenue. Pierce played “Etude” second to last. (Click on the play arrow to hear Pierce’s performance.)
After the final performance, the class instructor and recital accompanist, Matt Beckmann, asked for a moment before digging into the Papa John’s pizza and fried chicken to announce that Pierce, along with four of his classmates, have nowgraduated to the next level of instruction. Able to play such benchmark pieces as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “Perpetual Motion,” Pierce had moved on from “foundation” to “level one,” trading in the white band on his bow for a green one.
Advancing through Music Haven — and joining in a broader community through music — is becoming a Taylor family tradition.
Pierce’s mom, dad, and older sister, Natalia, all came to listen and watch Pierce perform Wednesday night. They’ve become Music Haven fixtures over the past four years, since Natalia began playing the cello. Pierce’s parents said they think he took up the cello because he saw his sister playing.
Dalton Taylor with daughter Natalia Taylor
The Taylors, who live in Westville, attend Music Haven concerts (made “free and affordable,” dad Dalton pointed out), workshops, and apple-picking field trips, in addition to at least two music lessons per week.
Kandice and Dalton Taylor, both musicians themselves, said see the program as more than just learning about notes in a workbook. “You’ve got build the whole person,” said Kandice (pictured).
Music Haven Executive Director Tina Hadari founded the not-for-profit in 2006 with that approach in mind. With 60 students in total, Music Haven has begun, in Hadari’s own words, “infiltrating the town with music,” while also shaping a community by connecting families to resources for everything from housing to mental health.
Music Haven is part of YODA, Youth Serving Organizations Directors Alliance, which meets bimonthly. Combined, the New Haven-based nonprofits of YODA reach just under than 10% of the some 20,000 school-aged children in the city. So there are plenty more aspiring cellists and other young musicians to reach.
“We are planning on expanding capacity,” explained Hadari (pictured). Wanting to keep a personal connection with each child, Hadari sets her ideal number at 100 students, a goal that will wait to be broken next season with the beginning of school and more music classes.
