Contributed photo Jason Schwarz Junior, Honesdale High School

Youth In Focus

By RICHARD A. ROSS

HONESDALE, PA — Teenagers are often portrayed as if they think and act in a certain way. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just meeting different teens and getting to know them shows how diverse and unique they can be. Jason Schwarz is a prime example. While many teenagers have a strong affinity for music, few have spent the past 10 years of their lives steeped in classical study.

Jason began the study of the violin at age six. He says it was his grandmother’s idea to get him started. Jason had the great fortune of meeting up with Marianne Kuiper Milks, a wonderful music teacher from White Mills, who is well known in the community for her tireless instruction and inspiration. She began teaching Jason, initially utilizing the Suzuki method that can be very appealing to young children. He has been studying with her ever since. Marianne has not only provided lessons, she has held recitals, formed ensembles and even run a summer music camp. Jason worked there the summer before last as a music counselor. He said, “it was really great helping the kids with their music.’

While it might seem unusual for a high school student to be spending one to two hours a day engaged in classical music study, Jason says his friends have “found it neat and kind of mysterious.” Since Honesdale High School does not have a string orchestra, Jason has taken up the trumpet that he plays in the school band. During his middle school years he played the flute. Jason has also gotten together with a few like-minded string musicians to form a string club at school. Once a week, he heads off to Scranton to play in the Marywood orchestra, comprised of students and adults, and conducted by Robert Herrema.

Music is part of the Schwarz household. His father Jay plays the drums and his brother Stephen who is 10 has been studying the cello for three years with Joseph Feigelson. Jason will often go directly from his violin practice to trumpet practice.

Performing has gotten easier over time. Early on there was ample stage fright, but now it’s more fun and relaxing. This past summer, Marianne Kuiper Milks arranged for some of her students to play at a wedding.

To balance out his intense music life, Jason plays soccer. This fall he played on the Honesdale varsity team and is now continuing by playing dome soccer in Wilkes Barre.

The Schwarz home resonates with music. No doubt that harmonious atmosphere has nurtured Jason’s love of music. Jason regards music as something that is fun. He feels that it might be instrumental (no pun intended) in his future. Perhaps that will involve playing in an orchestra or getting involved in music education. His teacher has been a great role model in that regard. This week’s youth in focus is in tune with his creative energy.