As part of our lead-in to Local Spins Fest 2024 in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Local Spins explores the importance of mentoring young musicians. Today, we focus on New City Kids Grand Rapids.
Evan Lauchie: ‘Parents should be intentional about exposing young musicians to various styles of music. (Courtesy Photo)
Local Spins Fest 2024 — celebrating the Local Spins website’s 12th anniversary of covering Michigan’s music scene — unfurls at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday.
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Sporting the theme, “The Future of Michigan Music,” the summer kickoff event, running from 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., features several acclaimed, up-and-coming regional acts and two teen bands spawned by area youth academies or ‘schools of rock,’ giving them a chance to showcase their talents on a big stage and rub elbows with established musicians.
(To keep entry affordable for families, general admission tickets are just $10, with children 10 and younger admitted free. Get tickets — with a $25 VIP seating option also available — online at themidtowngr.com.)
At various points during the event, Local Spins Fest will also feature videos of performances by youth groups from several area music schools on the big screen at Studio Park, including Kalamazoo Academy of Rock, Girl Rock! Grand Rapids (Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities) Byron Center High School (Jazz Orchestra) and New City Kids Grand Rapids.
The Joy of Music: New City Kids student receiving a surprise guitar. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
As part of our series on the importance of mentoring and inspiring youth in the field of music, Local Spins asked Evan-Tarence Lauchie, music director for New City Kids at 936 Alpine Ave. NW, about the importance of music in guiding young minds. Part of a nationwide organization, New City Kids offers after-school programming for local, low-income youth, giving them a chance to explore music and academics “in a creative and fun environment.”
Local Spins: What’s the single most satisfying thing about educating and tutoring the next generation of musicians?
Lauchie: The most satisfying thing about educating the next generation of musicians is seeing how fast they catch on. This generation of musicians and learners in general grasp new and creative concepts so much quicker than generations before, and it’s amazing to see.
Local Spins: What’s the most important lesson that young musicians need to learn?
Lauchie: I believe the most important lessons that young musicians need to learn is the importance of consistency. It’s really easy in such a fast-paced society to be ready to jump from one thing to the next, but really good musicians are consistent in practicing and spending time on their instrument.
Local Spins: How can parents — and the community at large — best support young and enthusiastic musicians?
Lauchie: I think the best way for parents and the community at large to support young musicians is to incentivize them to display their creativity and art. Creating platforms for them to perform, showcases, talent shows with great prizes is super inspiring for young musicians. Also parents should be intentional about exposing their young musicians to various styles of music, live shows and performances and incentivize their musical accomplishments. “If you learn a new song this month, I’ll get you a ___ .” Or, “If you learn three Ed Sheeran songs, you can go to the concert with three friends.”
Local Spins: What’s your impression of West Michigan’s talent pool when it comes to music?
Lauchie: West Michigan’s talent pool seems to be underwhelming and redundant in musical culture. But if you dig a little deeper, you will see that West Michigan has a plethora of talent and is really hungry for more spaces to showcase live music and their creativity. I think West Michigan’s talent pool is extremely deep and prime for more diverse musical experiences.
Local Spins: What’s the most popular instrument among young musicians and what not-so-popular instruments should young students consider?
Lauchie: I have always found drums and guitar to be pretty common instruments that youths gravitate towards. I would encourage young musicians to learn piano as it is a GREAT musical foundation and sets the stage to learn other instruments easily. Next, I would say bass guitar. It’s challenging to find really solid and impressive bass guitar players these days.
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