Grammy-nominated fiddle player, Ryan Joseph, held a Q&A session with Holiday Park Elementary School students at a virtual strings camp on Friday, December 11. Ryan, who plays for Alan Jackson’s Country Band is a Commercial and Classical Violin Professor at Belmont University and Bluegrass Ensemble Director. He grew up locally and attended McKeesport School District and obtained a Music Education degree from Duquesne University.

 

Studies show that people who listen to music can decrease their anxiety and pain levels. Music also releases endorphins and serotonin, hormones that make people happier, causing a release in immune-boosting hormones and neurotransmitters as well. Music has such an effect on our bodies, positively altering the hippocampus (controls emotions), prefrontal cortex (controls intense emotions), and parietal lobe (in charge of reasoning and administering information). Music has a significant influence on our brains, allowing us each to feel more motivated and empowered. 

 

Ryan Joseph will also be producing technique videos and sending them to Mrs. Martz, String Orchestra Director for Center, Pivik, and Holiday Park elementary schools. He will return in March 2021 and listen to the progress made by Holiday Park students in Part 2 of the virtual camp.

 

Mrs. Martz shares, “I am excited to share in this wonderful opportunity with Ryan Joseph and the String Orchestra students at Plum. We are so grateful to him for taking time to visit with us, answer questions and teach us some fiddle tunes and techniques. This is an invaluable experience for our students and one that they will take with them as they grow as musicians in the Plum Borough Music Program.”