Photo by Times Observer by Brian Ferry
Coach Mark Robinault leads Warren County Youth Network students – including director Cameron Erwin and case director Alix Peterson – through audio, video, lighting, and other details of an interview.
The history of the Warren Music Conservatory is long.
It wasn’t always in the same place, but from 1904 until the 1970s, there was a museum where people could go to learn and practice.
Founded by world -renowned pianist Dr. LeRoy Campbell or Clarendon.
Joe Glarner returned to Warren after more than 20 years teaching in music stores and children’s music schools.
Photo by Times Observer by Brian Ferry
Lexi Banko practices violin and Joe Glarner plays together at the Warren Conservatory of Music.
Whether he taught in Long Island or Los Angeles, Glarner knew he would eventually return to Warren.
He didn’t always know he would start a conservatory tradition again.
“About 20 years ago, I met Dan Dan the Banjo Man in Lakewood,” he said.
“He came up to me and said, ‘You’re a jazz guitarist from Warren? I’m a jazz guitarist from Warren,'” Glarner said. And he used to be. and part of the Warren Music Conservatory.
Photo by Times Observer
by Brian Ferry
Jax Bass works on a piano lesson with instructor Paul Schwanke at the Warren Music Conservatory.
That made Glarner think. “Maybe someday, when I get back to Warren, I’ll start that.”
Seven years ago, he did. “It was planned for years that I would start this all over and rebirth this thing.”
“Warren had a trumpet in his musical heart for a long time,” he said. “When we first opened seven years ago, a lot of people were skeptical.”
The Conservatory, which is now at 220 Pennsylvania Ave. W., in Warren, brings personal lessons, band groups, and often musical opportunities to the youth in the community.
“We were able to grow a happy, healthy child over time,” Glarner said.
Opportunities are not limited to those with high expectations.
“The music scene has changed. We meet the kids where they are, ”Glarner said. “It’s not enough to develop or go to college on music scholarships.”
“We do a lot of private lessons – guitar, ukulele, piano, wood, brass … no guitar,” he said. “We also have the Warren County Youth Orchestra.” That group meets at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Children who want to get an education but can’t afford it are encouraged to reach out. Teachers who have students in their band schools can’t afford instruments that are forced to reach out as well.
“We are organizational partners with the Summer Music School,” Glarner said. “Their path to music is high. Three weeks of intensive music training. We can help maintain that joy and that interest in music throughout the year.”
“We know if we’re going to get kids to make music a part of their longevity, they have to love it first,” he said.
On Saturday, July 30, Music in the Park will feature live music from noon to 9 p.m. and Betts Park. “Every teacher here is available in about an hour,” Glarner said. “Daniel Nordin has been 100 percent blind since birth. He’s better than Stevie Wonder. He will make it from 6 to 7.
“We will end the day with the Warren County Youth Orchestra,” he said.
The lessons may be his bread and butter, but there’s a lot going on at the conservatory.
Assumes the role of music supply and repair shops for the community.
Most recently, the Conservatory partnered with the Warren County YMCA on the Warren County Youth Network.
Students can work with high -end audio and video devices with high -end commands.
“These kids want to be YouTubers,” Glarner said.
It’s okay, but there’s so much in the audio-visual world. “We teach them how to produce,” he said.
Students interview each other, representing the roles of director, voice, lighting, video, interviewer, and subject. In some cases, they have been able to interview professionals in public – such as Conewango City Police Officer Scott Neiswonger.
They edit photos and publish them.
