NY musicians play tune for Spring Creek Orchestra

Students at Spring Creek Elementary look on as Anton Miller, 44, of the Chamber Music New York plays "one of the hardest pieces ever written for the violin," he said. The piece is "Carmen Fantasy" by Franz Waxman.


Anton Miller, 44, plays the violin in front of the string orchestra at Spring Creek Elementary. Miller is from the Chamber Music New York and has played the violin since he was 4-years-old.

Anton Miller, 44, started playing the violin when he was 4-years-old.

He then studied and graduated from Juilliard School in New York City and made a name for himself by playing at numerous concert halls in New York and around the country.

Recently, the musician and his colleague Brandt Fredricksen, of the Chamber Music New York, made a special visit to Spring Creek Elementary in Bonita Springs.

The school is the only elementary in Lee County that offers a string orchestra group.

“We came to visit because as musicians it’s good to see what you guys are doing and to talk about music,” said Miller, who played several pieces on his violin for the students. “It’s sometimes hard to remember all the stuff you learn but you have to practice.”

Miller emphasized the dedication needed to master an instrument by speaking about the different finger patterns, bowing techniques and string combinations.

“The more you play the better you get and the more comfortable you get with trying some different patterns around,” said Miller, while demonstrating combinations on his violin. “It can be hard to learn things but it just takes time and you have to stick with it.”

Fredricksen, 46, told students that playing is not only fun but a good way to express themselves.

“After you are playing your instrument for a long time, you can show your feelings and everything it will be different,” said Fredricksen, who has been playing the piano since he was a child. “Playing is sometimes hard but it can be very rewarding.”
Following the musicians rendition of “Carmen Fantasy” by Franz Waxman, students were invited to play along to a song of their choice.

“Most schools don’t have an orchestra so it’s good to see that you guys do and that you are so good,” Miller said.

The musicians were in town as part of the Florida Art Festival being held in Fort Myers.

“This is the first time professionals played in front of them and it’s good that students can see what dedication it takes to become great,” said Margaret Montalvo Trunk, the school’s music teacher. “This is a craft that takes a long time to develop and I hope they see that through [the musicians].”

DAR donates flag that flew over US Capital

The flagpole at Bonita Springs Elementary became the center of attention during a visit with the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The group came as part of a ceremony to dedicate an American flag that has flown over the United States capitol in Washington, D.C. on July 3, 2006.

“This has been a very high honor to be able to present this flag to the school and the principal,” said Joan McKay, the flag chairman for the Barefoot Beach chapter of the DAR.

McKay spoke to students about the importance of the American Revolution and her ancestors’ fight for independence.

Bonita Springs City Mayor Jay Arend reiterated those statements during the official presentation of the flag, which was folded and encased by the American Legion Post 303 of Bonita Springs.

“We are dedicating this flag and it is a special instrument of what this country stands for,” said Arend, of the flag that will be displayed at the school’s media center. “It carries a lot of honor and pride.”

And to show their respect to the encased flag, students raised another American flag on the pole and pledged their allegiance.

“It’s a real honor to feel the support of the community and organizations. It’s a great program,” said David Short, the school’s principal.