How did you get into making music, and how did arts education (or lack thereof) affect you and your music?

I started out playing in school band, clarinet and saxophone. In high school I was involved with the Recording Arts program at St. Paul Central. We used to throw shows at VFWs, sober clubs and churches; anywhere that would take us. It’s turned into a much bigger part of my life than I ever imagined then.

Having a supportive and instructive arts education had a HUGE impact on my musical life. These programs allowed us as young fledgling artists to experiment and often fail, while supporting the exploration. Additionally, the people I met early on in these arts education programs have stuck around and become a true part of the both my and the Twin Cities at large musical community. Those relationships started and were nurtured in the arts education programs we were lucky enough to be a part of.

Bill Caperton “Don’t Give Me Up” (mp3)

(MySpace)

This post is part of our 60-hour blogathon in support of music development and literacy within the Twin Cities. We appreciate you visiting the site – but before you go, we ask that you consider clicking the Donors Choose banner below and giving what you can to help enrich the lives of a number of local children through music and reading. Thank you. – Culture Bully