Titles by: ASHLAND COOPER
ASHLAND COOPER
Ashland Cooper is a violinist and devoted music educator who specializes in arranging classical and folk melodies. Born to Chinese and Appalachian parents, Cooper was raised in the Golden State of California. Music was always central to the household, and a favorite childhood memory includes resting underneath a large phonograph where the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein was often played. It is possible that the collection of records heard as a child was responsible for placing Cooper's feet upon a pathway that led to a successful musical career. The musical treasury included a performance by cellist Pablo Casals at the White House for the Kennedys, Song of Norway (an adaptation of Edvard Grieg's music created by Robert Wright and George Forrest), the ballets of Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf , and Max Steiner's Gone With the Wind. The music from these records always lifted the family's spirits, caressed troubles away, and ignited the essential ingredients required for joy to enter the home. Friedrich Schiller expressed in his powerful poem "Ode to Joy" the effect that happiness can have on a group of people. "Joy, bright spark of Divinity.All people become brothers where thy gentle wing rests." As a young violinist, both parents encouraged Cooper to take part in music camps, conferences, and to travel internationally for the purpose of studying music. They provided a wonderful support system to make these experiences possible. Some favorite travel destinations throughout the years included Japan, Italy and Croatia. During university years, Cooper studied philosophy, history, and educational leadership to accompany musical pursuits. Classical music profoundly affected the direction of Cooper's life. Ultimately, it determined how time would be spent, and where it would be spent. The violin shaped, nurtured and led the way to exceptional experiences. Whether it be ensemble playing, performing on stage, or simply studying - music unites us as we come