Tinashe McGowan performed a piano concert in the sanctuary of Central Christian Church Sunday afternoon. Church members, friends and family gathered to hear and support this talented 11-year-old musician, a 5th grade student at William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted.
Tinashe is preparing for summer camp—not just any camp, but Interlochen Arts Center in Michigan.
Interlochen draws young people from around the world to study music, theater, dance, visual arts, creative writing, motion picture arts, and comparative arts. Application and audition are required for summer camp acceptance.
Ft. Worth’s Van Cliburn had a long and special relationship with the Interlochen Center for the Arts. He was elected a trustee of Interlochen in 1963 and served on the board until 2004. He first came to Interlochen for what was supposed to be a one-time performance, but he became a lifelong friend and advocate for Interlochen and arts education.
Musical talent runs in Tinashe’s family. His dad, Eran, is a member of Central’s Chancel Choir and the congregation always looks forward to hearing Eran’s beautiful solos during worship services.
I asked Eran when he realized that Tinashe was gifted at the piano.
“He started banging on the piano when he was a baby,” Eran said.
“I had always wanted to pursue a career in music, but not recognizing its importance, I was not encouraged by my own dad, so I have always been supportive of Tinashe,” Eran said.
Central, too, has always been supportive of the arts and of young people— offering scholarships to further education in whatever field they choose. Music director David Aston often features young artists during Sunday morning worship. If you have a talented youngster in your household or know of one, contact the church office at 214-526-7291 and ask for David.
The next performance at Central will be a Contemporary Dance presentation by Dance Idea on Saturday, May 26. For more information on the dance performance or the Summer Showtunes Theatre Camp, July 9-20, visit the website.