Education :: February/March 2007
Two Magical, Musical Gifts of Art
Recently, two unique gifts to The Wilmington Music School demonstrated the magic of the arts, and of giving. In November, the Cello Player, a sculpture by Charles Parks, was unveiled at WMS, a gift from Mr. Parks, himself. It now resides in the school’s lobby – a testament to his talent and generosity, and a tribute to his wife, Inge’s love of music and to their long friendship with and support of the music school.
Also in 2006, a violin was donated to WMS by Mrs. Joanne Price. It belonged to her late husband, Dr. Robert Price, whose family owned the violin for decades. After examination by Wilmington’s resident rare violin expert, David Bromberg, it was determined that the violin was made by the most significant American makers, George Gemunder. Although Dr. Price did not get to hear the violin played again before his death, the instrument is now on loan, and played by one of the music school’s gifted young violin teachers, Christina Von Duyke – who also conducts the Delaware Youth Orchestra.
Christina said this about the opportunity to play on the Gemunder: “I was looking for a new violin and loved to visit David Bromberg’s shop and look at his collection. I really fell in love with the dark, earthy sounds of American made violins. The generosity of Joanne Price’s donation is allowing me to explore and grow as a musician at a new level…It is literally like being handed a beautiful voice with which to love and create music. Every time I open the case, I feel so blessed and inspired.”
These gifts – the violin donated by Mrs. Price and the sculpture from Charles Parks – are now a living part of the every day experience of art and music. The violin’s voice is singing again in the capable hands of Christina Von Duyke and the Cello Player is on display in a central lobby location at the school – and enjoyed by visitors to WMS every day. In a very real sense, these gifts leave a legacy for our community. Visit WMS at 4101 Washington Street or call 302-762-1132 for more information about the school’s programs.
Please stop by or visit our website:
The Wilmington Music School
4101 Washington St., Wilmington, DE 19802
www.wilmingtonmusic.org
