For many students, the classroom is the place to gain new knowledge, inspiration and connections. However, a local event this spring break presented musically inclined students with an opportunity to learn that music has the power to unite and transform lives.
On the weekend of March 8 through 10, the Will McLean Music Festival at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville celebrated the power of music and the incredible talents of young musicians aged 5 to 23 years of age from all across the state.
One talented young musician, James Huston, has been coming to the festival for years and has participated in the program, being granted alumni and mentor status.
“When I was about nine, I took a road trip with my grandma up to Maine and back,” recounted Huston. “We went to a couple of Celtic jam sessions on the way, and I heard the fiddle for the first time. And that’s what inspired me to want to play fiddle.”
Having been a volunteer at the Will McLean festival herself, Huston’s grandmother helped him take up the fiddle and get involved with the festival, too.
The Will McLean Music Festival – or WillFest for short – is a great place to meet other local musicians and get inspired, Huston said.
“I’ve used this kind of program here as a way to enhance my music,” Huston added. “I think of other song ideas, Usually I wind up starting a song that I’m writing while I’m here at WillFest.”
This year, a lineup of inspiring events was tailored for students as a part of the festival’s Young Musicians Program led by Laura Jo Julian. From mastering instruments to exploring new genres, a variety of learning workshops were led by experienced mentors there to guide and inspire students.
These workshops also provide a place for students to connect, both with adult musicians and with each other.
“They get the idea about bands,” Said Julian. “‘I could build a band, make friends. Maybe there’s something I can do that, to meet people.’ And I’ve had kids over the years that have kept in contact because of the internet and social media, They watch each other for years and years to come.”
Planned group activities also give students the opportunity to unleash their creativity, some of which are festival traditions and have been with the program since 2016.
One of these activities is the Battle of the Bands which, according to the festival website, “provides the unique opportunity for young musicians to meet and closely collaborate with new friends, stretch the limits of their talents, support each other, and have a tremendous amount of fun in the process.” Participants of varying ages, instruments and styles are assigned to different bands to collaborate and practice in preparation for the contest.
“They get to pick a song on a topic that gets changed every year, and I have about eight different choices.” Julian explained. “They get to pick their song, and then they go away, and they learn it, and they make it their own, and they come back on Sunday in front of professional musicians, and they get judged for it. We have specific criteria – showmanship, and are you willing to share your stage with other people, and all of that. That then allows people who have only performed solo or in their families to meet other people.”
Another festival tradition is the annual song collaboration, where the program attendees gather with other young, talented musicians of all ages to create something unique to perform at the conclusion of the festival. It’s a chance to connect, share ideas and, most importantly, have a blast!
“There is no adult input. You can’t – they don’t want our help,” said Julian. “It’s just amazing what they come up with every year.”
Prestigious four-year scholarships are awarded each year to prospective college students. These scholarships aim to recognize young musicians and support their musical journeys, although students are also allowed to follow their non-musical dreams.
“We have a cello player here today,” Julian said. “She won the scholarship. She is here for the first time, becoming a mentor, and she’s helping out volunteering. Part of the criteria for the scholarship is that you need to volunteer. But it doesn’t necessarily mean she’s going to pursue a music path. Those people that we can issue scholarships towards just have to give back[sic], to be pursuing a career that gives back to the community.”
Huston was also a previous recipient of the scholarship, even though he did not attend college.
Young musicians who return to the program each year have more opportunities to earn continued scholarships and lead their own workshops and make new friends and memories.
Young musicians can enroll in the Will McLean Young Musicians Program no matter their level of musical experience. Those interested in participating in or visiting the festival can visit willmclean.com for more updates and information.
