New Tupper Arts’ “Grotto” aims to grow new musicians here

The Grotto teachers and a couple of students pose with some of the band equipment now in the downstairs of Tupper Arts. If anyone has an old instrument or amplifier in good condition and not using it, consider the donation of it to Tupper Arts for use by the kids. From left are Corinne Mather, Lauren Connell, students Joelle Bedore and Lance Shaffer at keyboard Brock Gonyea and Audrey Longhurst. (McClelland photo)

by Dan McClelland

There’s something magical and musical going on every Friday night in the basement of Tupper Arts on Park Street. It’s all about young adult musicians in our community teaching younger ones.

It’s called “Grotto,” a name familiar with many music lovers as a cool, out of the way place to hear a variety of types of music. By definition a grotto is a natural or artificial cave used by humans in both modern times and antiquity, and historically or prehistorically. Naturally occurring grottoes are often small caves near water.

Tupper’s new Grotto is but a block and a half from Raquette Pond, so maybe it is naturally occurring?

The long range aim is to create more musicians here in the future and instill a lifelong love of music in local folks of all ages.

Teenagers will be taught to play many instruments including guitar, keyboard, drums and vocals. Taught too will be music appreciation.

Says Evie Longhurst, the executive director at Tupper Arts: “Grotto is dedicated to inspiring and nurturing musical talent in youth by providing instruction, fostering creativity and building confidence in a safe environment. We strive to create a supportive community where young people can explore their passion, develop their skills and express themselves through the transformative power of music. We aim to cultivate a lifelong love of music, develop individual talent, and encourage self-expression, collaboration and personal growth.”

The program’s mission is: “to explore music, explore yourself; empowering youth through the musical arts,” she told the Free Press this week.

The program is under the direction of four enthusiastic musicians in their twenties and early thirties.

The four include:

Brock Gonyea, local musician, singer/songwriter/ recording artist, who spent over a year performing, recording and studying in Nashville, Tenn.; Middle/High School Teacher Lauren Connell, a vocalist and member of Tupper Lake’s popular rock band, “Night School;” and High School English Teacher Corinne Mather, who is also a vocalist in “Night School.” Rounding out the talented four is Audrey Longhurst; creative coordinator and volunteer facilitator assistant at Tupper Arts.

“Grotto, to me is an opportunity to provide teens with a space to experiment with music and connect with their peers in a safe space,” Corinne Mather said of the new program this week. “They get to make connections and create through music, in ways that reflect their own interests.”

“To me, Grotto is about connecting teens to music and each other,” notes Lauren Connell. “I’d love to see our teens grow into a fully functional rock band that can play live for our community. Band mates share a truly unique bond. I hope our Grotto members are able to experience the friendships, the challenges and the rewards that accompany making music/art with one another.”

Like the other three Brock Gonyea is very excited about the new musical project. “For me, Grotto feels like the beginning of a new generation of Tupper Lake musicians. When I was first starting out on my music journey, my friends and I had an outlet for our music. There was always some place and someone ready to jam. I felt encouraged by friends and family and at school. This has been missing, until now. Grotto will provide a space for teens to really explore how they feel about music and teaches them to hone their skills. There is a lot of talent out there in this community and Grotto can grow as big and as exciting as the expectations of those who are a part of it.”

He hopes the program has a domino effect in the community. As one or two young people learn to be musicians, more will want to as well.

“I play somewhat of a different role at Grotto. Although I have a musical background, my creative talents are what I offer at this amazing program” explains Audrey Longhurst. “The music industry is a multi-faceted one, encompassing creative design, promotion, marketing, press releases— you name it! For those who want to take a breather from the music, or even those who find playing or singing really isn’t their thing; we can hang out and create. From lanyards to pins and even band T-shirts, I am really looking forward to creating while supporting the interests of all the Grotto members.”

For it to grow and flourish Grotto needs the community’s help. Currently made possible through the generosity of The Glen and Carol Pearsall Foundation and The Adirondack Federal Credit Union. To sustain this program, however, Tupper Arts leaders need ongoing financial support. Tupper Arts is dedicated to keeping the dream of Friday Nights at the Grotto alive, but it needs help from the community to make this happen. “Please consider us in your charitable donations,” notes Mrs. Longhurst. Donations can be made on the Tupper Arts web site, tupperarts.org or by dropping by its headquarters and gallery on Park Street any day this summer. Grotto begins every Friday at 6p.m. and those interested are encouraged to drop by and check it out. Different musical programs are planned each week. One recent night saw over 15 young people taking part in it.