MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Violist Dawn Johnson was born and raised in Miami and is a part of a trio referred to as ‘The String Queens’ in Washington D.C.
They are lecturers by day and classical music performers by night time.
“As a well-rounded musician, you teach and you perform. It’s not either/or, they complement one another to make you a better musician,” Johnson defined.
Johnson grew up in Liberty City and attended Charles Drew Elementary School, which she credit for having a really sturdy performing arts group.
Her dad and mom labored laborious to supply publicity and alternative by the humanities to her and her sister.
“We completely immersed ourselves in rehearsals and performances, making sure we were a part of a community youth orchestra. I grew up in the South Florida Symphony and Florida Youth Orchestra.”
As a younger violinist, she remembers the pivotal second, when a trainer guided her to the viola, which might grow to be an extension of her.
“I remember my first teacher Judy Frishman, a most well-known violin teacher in Miami, placed the viola in my hands and she said, ‘Trust me, this is going to be your instrument- this is better suited for you,’ and I was twelve years old, and I’ve never looked back.”
Johnson went on to New World School of the Arts, graduated from Julliard, and have become an orchestra trainer.
In 2018 the distinctive collaboration with fellow lecturers started – Kendall Isadore on violin and Elise Sharp on the cello.
“We haven’t seen another group that sounds like us or looks like us,” Johnson claimed.
Their various repertoire spans each genres and eras. They have carried out in well-known venues and had been featured within the Biden/Harris inauguration “We Are One Celebration.”
It is music meant to maneuver individuals and mountains.
“We are doing our part to cultivate and nurture the next generation of performers particularly that look like us, who you don’t necessarily see in classical music,” she acknowledged including that 1.8 % of individuals in symphony orchestras now are African American or minority.”
For extra on The String Queens, go to their web site right here.