Student Spotlight: Mr. Henderson-Cole

Mr. Henderson-Cole has been in SOUNDS Academy since we began in 2014. As a 6th grader in our founding class of students, we have seen Mr. Henderson-Cole grow as a young leader and we are extremely proud to see him hit new levels in his senior year. Over the summer he participated in The Curry Summer Music Camp at NAU. Earlier in the year he performed for the Memorial Service of Jean Fairfax, and most recently he was accepted into the Regional Orchestra. Mr. Henderson-Cole is dedicated in his journey towards academic excellence and building upon his skills as a musician. 

Q: Tell us about your musical journey. What is your instrument and why did you choose it?

A: My first instrument was the violin which I think everyone starts with. I played the violin between ages 5 and 10 because that is what my mom played so she wanted me to do the same. All of that changed when I joined SOUNDS Academy, Mr. Kirk introduced me to the viola which I still play now. I’m glad I play the viola too because there are so many additional opportunities that come with it; such as scholarships and plenty of seats in any orchestra.

Q:  What do you like about SOUNDS Academy?

A: I like all of the different opportunities that we get to play at different places and meeting different people. There has never been a time that I didn’t feel appreciated after a performance which really shows the love people have for children and teenagers that play instruments. Basically, SOUNDS Academy has a big support system which I can see and  appreciate as a student. The public support really helps to motivate me.

Q: Why is music education important for children?-Why are programs like SOUNDS Academy important? What role, if any, do you think SOUNDS Academy and the music education you’ve received, played in shaping who you are today?

A: The key to life is trying as many things that are new to you as possible and I believe playing an instrument is one of the things that many people look over. Playing an instrument unlocks a special part of our minds and I believe SOUNDS Academy helps to boost and improve that part of our mind. Some say that playing an instrument is a talent that not everyone has; However, SOUNDS Academy does a good job of showing us that anyone can play. You get better at it if you practice more and work hard. They also introduce character values to us as students and punctuate the importance of character values.

Q: Speaking of which, between the characteristics of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork; which speaks the most about your journey so far? Why?

A: Perseverance would be most related to me and my journey. I’ve consistently been in SOUNDS year after year and I feel each year I get better and better; whether it be my scales, sight reading, performances, or personal character; I feel some part of me is getting better and improving. I feel like my perseverance really showed at The Curry Summer Music Camp at NAU. I worked really hard when I was there and learned a lot. It was a life changing experience. I met so many people that I am still friends with today. I wish that I knew about it sooner and I want to go back so badly!

Q: What performance skills help you in the classroom? What was the hardest thing for you to learn and how did you feel when you mastered it?

A: There are a lot of things that music teach you that go beyond notes. For example, in playing over that last few years I have learned how to hide my mistakes while playing. I keep in mind that the audience can’t see my music, so they only know that I mess up if I react or tell them. This transfers to the classroom when I am presenting in front of my classmates. I have learned to not react when I mess up or forget what I am talking about. When I learned to essentially have a “poker face” I felt that I was more confident in my performances, playing ability, and school presentations.

Q:  What do you want the whole wide world to know? This can be about anything and everything. 

A: Isn’t it weird that the word bed can be spelled either way and the word (bed) actually looks like the object itself?! I just thought that I would blow your mind!