Music therapy

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

Learning to master a musical instrument is a long, tedious process for most children. Having a physical handicap makes it even more difficult.
Determination is helping 10-year-old Chase Hoback of Max Meadows achieve his goal of playing the cello. Cerebral palsy has not deterred the Sheffey Elementary School fifth-grader from weekly lessons.
“I want to play at church,” said Chase, whose maternal grandfather, Don Crockett, is pastor of the East Piney Mission. “I like music.”
His maternal grandmother, Regina Crockett, chauffeurs Chase to lessons each Friday afternoon at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville. Chase’s parents, Ginger Crockett o Max Meadows and Chris Hoback of Wytheville, work long hours and can’t take off time from their jobs.
“It was my idea to bring him,” noted Regina Crockett, who sits in on the sessions. “Chase loves music. We listen to a lot of classical music.”
According to her, she wanted her grandson to take music lessons to improve his motor skills. Learning to play the violin was considered.
“Chase’s physical therapist suggested the cello because it would build upper body strength,” Mrs. Rogers pointed out. “Since Chase needs to work on his upper body strength, we decided on the cello.”
Ben Wyatt from the Virginia Tech Department of Outreach is Chase’s instructor. Through the Wythe Music Initiative, he teaches violin and cello lessons one day a week in Wytheville.
“Chase is doing great,” stated Wyatt, a member of the Renaissance Music Academy in Blacksburg. “I began by teaching him the correct posture and how to hold the cello and bow. It takes several months before it doesn’t feel awkward.”
Using the Suzuki method, Wyatt begins teaching music to children as early as 3 years old. He also allows a parent or grandparent to take the lessons at the same time.
“I learn everything Chase does,” his grandmother commented. “That way I can work with him at home. We only have half-hour sessions here on Friday. When he applies himself, Chase does really well.”
The Crocketts rent Chase’s cello. They pay for his lessons.
In addition to his school and music studies, Chase takes physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. He also has riding lessons in Draper.
“I like computers, too,” he said.
Lynne Storms of the P.L.A.Y. (Performance, Learning & Arts for Youth) Fund which founded the Wythe Music Initiative reported there are 20 students in the local string instrument program.
“We have some fabulous instructors,” she said. “We’re delighted to be able to bring them here and to provide such music therapy.”
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .