Last Updated on February 24, 2024 by The HD Post Staff

APPLE VALLEY — Young musicians entertained the audience at the Church of the Valley, Sunday, for the Fall Parade of Pianos fundraising concert. Proceeds from the concert go towards helping aspiring musicians pay for instruments and music lessons.

“Parade of Pianos helps keep classical music alive in the High Desert,” said Parade of Pianos Director Kaye Walraven. “We want to expose our students to the public so they know how to play without getting nervous and maybe it will inspire other students and other people to pick up an instrument and learn how to play.”

Parade of Pianos Founder Paul Starks started the non-profit organization about 15 years ago with the goal of helping individuals realize the value of art in all its forms — particularly music. Not only does the organization help pay for the costs of instruments and lessons, but also will help students get paying gigs.

“Businesses and other non-profit organizations — they contact us looking for a musician to play background music,” said Walraven. “If we have the funds, we will be able to pay the performer to perform at these functions or sometimes the businesses themselves will pay for them to perform.”

Classical pianist Tayari Kuanda III says he has been with Parade of Pianos for 10 years and likes that the non-profit subsidizes lessons and instruments for musicians in need.

Kuanda closed the concert with a passionate rendition of Richard Addinsell’s Warsaw Concerto.

Parade of Piano student Ellie Orr says she likes making other people happy and bringing joy to their lives. 

“When I play they get so emotional and it just touches their hearts.”

Ellie Orr

For more information about Parade of Pianos call 760-242-8877 or visit https://www.facebook.com/paradeofpianos/