Bob’s 14+ Years at CYM (2008 – 2022)
Bob Carey’s steady practice through the years has led him to become a dependable person. He is a good friend to many, was drum line captain for the band this last year at Quaker Valley High School, and can play solo Bach for cello at the drop of a hat. Here are some reflections from Bob’s experience at Center for Young Musicians:
Briefly describe your lessons, a special performance, or other highlights from your tenure at CYM.
Bob’s Dad, Brian: “When Bob and Coley (Bob’s brother) first started, their lessons were in the original building on the second floor across the street. Brennan (my wife) would push them down from our house on Nevin in the double stroller, park the stroller on Beaver Avenue, and walk them up the stairs.
Some of our finest memories are light up nights including our first one in that old upstairs space. And Bob and I played for Bob’s Aunt Maureen‘s wedding at Heinz Chapel (Pachelbel Canon) when Bob was seven.”
Describe some of the attributes your child has developed through their education and/or relationships at CYM.
“Bob had four primary instructors: Miss Rowena, Mr. Ryan, and Dr. Vincent on cello, and Miss Simmi on piano. Many others assisted, most notably Mr. Jake. Just a tremendously talented and creative group of mentors that helped Bob grow into the fine young man he is today.”
What can you share with parents of younger students in regard to what you see as the benefits of “sticking with it”, now that your child has graduated from high school?
“We probably aren’t the best to talk about ‘sticking with it’. Bob would’ve never quit even if we encouraged him to move on and focus on other things like academics (not that that ever happened
). Being involved in music, music education, and classical music is who he is. He loves it, his social life revolves around it, all his friends and mentors are people he met through music. We’ve hope he never stops being involved, he’d be miserable.”
What is your earliest memory of being at CYM?
From Bob: “I remember being at the Wexford location in one of the upstairs rooms for a group class. I don’t remember exactly what we did, but I remember it involved singing and dancing.”
What is your favorite memory of making music?
“Getting the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City with my youth orchestra.”
What encouragement can you give to a student who is having a hard time practicing?
“Try breaking up your practice into smaller sections. For me, I have trouble focusing on playing for a long time. Practice in 10 or 15 minute segments throughout the day rather than doing all of your practice at the same time.”
What part has your music education played in helping you manage the challenges of high school and in taking your next steps in life?
“Music has helped me in all kinds of ways. Whenever I have a lot of stress, I sit down and play something I enjoy. I’ve made so many friends through different music activities. I’ve learned leadership and teamwork through my time in orchestra and marching band. All of these are applicable beyond music that have and will continue to help me for the rest of my life.”
What are your plans after high school?
“I am attending the University of Montana to major in computer science. I will be continuing my love of music by participating in the marching band, and plan to continue to take music classes and potentially get a minor in music.”
Bob’s former and current CYM teachers offer these reflections:
Bob is such a wonderful and well-rounded musician; whether he is playing cello or piano, he is always consciously listening and in control of his movements and his playing. He worked his way quickly through the method books I assigned him when he first began piano lessons with me and always did a fantastic job with piano duets at the Ensemble Concert or his chosen Christmas piece at Light Up Night or Wintergarden at PPG. Eventually, he started coming to his lessons with requests to learn his favorite Classic Rock music. These pieces are always laced with complex rhythms and tricky harmonies, but he was eager to learn them correctly and always wowed audiences at the Solo Recitals each year with his performances! Bob is such a hard worker and bright young man and I know he has a bright future ahead of him! Congratulations, Bob! – Simmi Tripathi
I had the pleasure of teaching Bob cello playing for many years. Early on, his imagination was captured by the meaning in a piece of music–not simply its mood, but also how one thing leads to another, how the music gets more exciting (or more relaxing), how the music creates its drama and tells a story. His interests in band, percussion, and piano playing approach meaning in music from many sides.
I’ll pass along some advice that was recently given to me: “it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon”. There are never guarantees, but if you keep at it, you’ll shape a life for yourself that you look forward to. Bob, all my best! – Ryan Ash
Bob Carey has a kind soul and is always willing to learn. As a musician, he has no lack of musical ideas. He is eager to try out new ways to enrich the colors and expression in his playing. He also seizes different opportunities (e.g. participating in masterclass, concert, and orchestra) to share his talent with the community. Last but not least, I enjoy working with Bob as much as conversing with him about what happens in life, like going to college. I will definitely miss our time at CYM. – Vincent Leung
Congratulations to the entire Carey Family and best of luck in the future Bob!
