WAKE FOREST, NC — LaSaundra Booth is a musician who is changing the tune in her community, even as cutbacks threatened to end her performances before they’d even begun.
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Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra fills musical gap in the community
LaSaundra Booth purchased 21 violins with her own savings so that kids could have access to violins
Students meet every week to practice and learn classical instruments
Last week, as Booth prepared to welcome a new batch of orchestra students at Rolesville Baptist Church, she reflected on what got her here.
It was one moment in the 4th grade that changed everything.
“I get to class, and the teachers like LaSaundra what do you want to play. I said I want to play the violin, and she looks at me and says I'm sorry, LaSaundra, all the violins are gone, but I have this beautiful cello right here for you," Booth said.
Booth never looked back.
She taught orchestra in public schools and when budget cuts silenced her classroom she took it upon herself to give back and give the gift of music.
"If the public schools don't wanna do anything about this then I will take $2000 from my own savings account and I purchased 21 violins," Booth said.
That was in 2014.
Booth had laid down the foundation for the Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra.
If a family cant afford their own instrument for the summer, Booth’s program provides one for them.
“When kids see somebody who looks like them, who have a similar background that they do and see your successful because music changed your life, and it can certainly change theirs," Booth said. “Once I teach, it's like something comes alive in me that I'm pouring out, and the students are pouring into me also, so it's a joy that’s unspeakable. I get so fulfilled when I teach”
They might just be getting started, but those students are already practicing for their first concert next month.