This Weekend: Junior High Students Jam to Fundraise for Music Education

A pair of Healdsburg middle schoolers and one of their fathers have teamed up to form a band with the goal of raising money for local music classes.

Boomerang, made up of Healdsburg Junior High School students Olivia Grande and Lucy Carroll–along with Lucy's dad, Rob Carroll–have played two shows so far to raise money for the Healdsburg Education Foundation.

The trio will perform from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 5 on the Oakville Grocery patio at 124 Matheson St. They'll have a tip jar with all proceeds going to the Healdsburg Education Foundation's music program.

“Boomerang exemplifies all the benefits of music education–creativity, communication, collaboration–and just plain having a great time playing music!” a press release quoted Healdsburg Education Foundation Executive Director  Pamela Swan as saying.   

The group will occasionally be joined by drummer Ron Charlesworth, the founder of Healdsburg music lesson and instrument shop Speed of Sound. Charlesworth has performed on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," the BBC and elsewhere, according to the press release.

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The full press release follows:

LOCAL YOUTH RAISING THEIR VOICES AND MONEY FOR HEALDSBURG MUSIC EDUCATION 

Healdsburg, CA: Enjoy music on the Oakville Grocery patio from 6-8pm every Saturday until October 5th, courtesy of “Boomerang” and Speed of Sound Music. All tip jar donations will benefit Healdsburg Education Foundation (HEF) Music Programs Fund.

Two talented Healdsburg Junior High students, Olivia Grande and Lucy Carroll, along with Lucy’s dad Rob, recently formed an unlikely band called “Boomerang,” performing original numbers in addition to cover tunes. Lucy, who has played classical piano since age four says, “Olivia and I have sung as back-up singers in my dad’s band, and we play really well together, so it seemed natural for us to be a band.” Olivia, Lucy and Rob all do vocals and play bass and keyboard. Olivia is happy with their decision to donate tips to HEF’s music program. Olivia started singing in a children’s choir at age 5 and wants other kids to have many opportunities to explore music as well. She states, “It has always been a healthy way to express myself.”

Ron Charlesworth, the founder of Speed of Sound Music, often moonlights for Boomerang on drums when his schedule allows. Ron is a seasoned musician who was a drummer for Ty England and has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Conan O’Brien,” “BBC” and “CBS This Morning.” His special love is performing and teaching others how to enjoy and perform music. In founding Speed of Sound, he hopes to support local music, aspiring musicians and collectors of fine musical instruments. Ron states, “I really wanted to fill the music school void in Northern Sonoma County.”

In their first two shows, Boomerang has already raised $135 for HEF’s Music Program efforts. Pamela Swan, HEF’s Executive Director, said, “Boomerang exemplifies all the benefits of music education – creativity, communication, collaboration – and just plain having a great time playing music!” HEF’s goal is to ensure that Music Education is an option for every student in the Healdsburg Public Schools, through funding music and Jazz Band programs and supporting music teachers. This is important because music is not only uplifting and inspiring, but research has found that learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. According to recent studies, the effect of music education on language development can actually be seen in the brain, and children who were given music lessons tested higher on IQ exams.   

Oakville Grocery is located at 124 Matheson Street in Healdsburg and offers a highly curated selection of the best products from local farmers, artisans and purveyors. Come to Oakville Grocery for a glass of wine, gourmet food, fine picnic supplies, and now, live music! Phone: 707-433-3200/Website: http://www.oakvillegrocery.com/ 

The Healdsburg Education Foundation raises funds to support excellent K-12 education for ALL students in the Healdsburg area public schools. HEF brings our schools and generous community together to direct resources to educational programs that will have the greatest impact on student learning. http://www.hefschools.com/

Speed of Sound Music, located at 452B Healdsburg Avenue, unites a vintage inspired facility, quality musical instruments, accomplished music educators, and an accelerated music curriculum to offer a complete music resource for beginner, intermediate and professional musicians. For more information about their programs, please call 707-433-6843 or check out their website: http://speedofsoundmusic.net/