The Basis of Harmony

3/6/2020

Laura Hamlin Weiler ’00, Head of Community Engagement

Bassist Madeline Brooks ’21 shares her love of music with younger children

It was a busy scene on Saturday, February 15 in the Glen Allen library, as dozens of young children busily folded, cut, and pasted Valentine’s hearts while listening to classic funk music from a nearby speaker. Presiding over this happy scene were juniors Madeline Brooks and Izzy Perago. The program, called Art and Jamz, grew out of Brooks’ desire to share her love of art and music with younger children. Altruism is one of our T.I.T.A.N.S. values, and it is one Brooks lives every day.

Brooks’ own musical journey began with the piano when she was six. She progressed through ukulele and guitar before finding her passion with bass guitar. Brooks welcomes the challenge of bass, as it is sometimes seen as an afterthought instrument but is actually crucial as a foundation for music. Says Brooks, “I want to be an actual bass player, not a guitar player playing bass.”

“Bass is the least appreciated position and fundamentally the most important,” says Brian Rollins, head of Trinity’s Music Department. “It is the basis (pun intended) of harmony.” Rollins has worked with Brooks since her freshman year. She began the year in Preparatory Band, and in a very rare situation, Rollins asked Brooks to join the Jazz Band in her second semester of 9th grade. He felt she was ready for the challenge of the pieces played in Jazz Band.

“Her playing is meticulous.” he says. “She doesn’t catch the basics, she catches all of the nuances. She flourishes with perceptions beyond the obvious. She not only plays what she is supposed to play but plays it the way it is meant to be played.”

This ability has not been lost on her peers. Brooks plays in Trinity’s Pep Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and was a part of twelve numbers in this year’s Cabaret. She also plays in two bands outside of school, Miniature Armchair and Lenox Attic (both are comprised of Trinity students). The bands have played such venues as Richmond’s Canal Club. Says Rollins, “It is known around the school that anything you need a bass player for, Mads is the one.”

So how does Brooks find time and energy to found projects like Art and Jamz? “I really wanted to bring art and music to a wider audience, and I love working with kids,” says Brooks, who is also a full International Baccalaureate diploma candidate. “I started volunteering at the Children’s Museum of Richmond and enjoyed it so much.” Brooks began Art and Jamz in September 2019 and the Glen Allen library has already booked it each month, including the summer, through October 2020.

Rollins sees Art and Jamz is simply another avenue in which Brooks shares her passion and talent. “Her classmates love her, her teachers love her. She is so selfless,” says Rollins. “She has such a strong sense of humility. For her, this (giving back) is what you do. You have been granted talents and the onus is on you to share those talents with others.”

For Brooks, her experience at Trinity has been one of continual growth. “Trinity’s music program has allowed me to branch out of my comfort zone and expand my horizons. Before Trinity I wasn't learning, I was just playing. Here I have had so much growth because I am actually learning. Mr. Rollins has such a vast knowledge of music and different techniques and he loves to share that.” Brooks has also met fellow artists who can match her energy and the subsequent collaborations have been symbiotic for all.

Brooks’ altruism will continue with Art and Jamz as well as mentoring developing musicians around her. Says Rollins, “She has learned from strong players before her, and she is helping develop younger players.” And she will stay plenty busy in the meantime, laying down the groove across six different bands. True to the meaning of altruism, she will contribute to plenty of happiness for others whether she is playing bass or playing with kids. She is always happy when giving of herself.

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About “Connections”

Connections is a regular online column, written from the first-person perspective of Laura Hamlin Weiler ’00, Head of Community Engagement:

In this space, I have the privilege of sharing stories of Trinity students, alumni, and faculty and staff who are carrying our mission beyond the boundaries of campus. Many of these stories might not make the headlines, but they will illustrate how every member of the Trinity community has a unique path to discover, and the ability to make an impact on both the Trinity community and the world beyond.

I am fortunate to have been a part of this community since my own adolescence. I have been a student, a teacher, a coach, and an administrator, and in these roles I have witnessed the school’s growth and evolution through the years. We have grown in size as well as spirit.

Stories here will capture how seeds planted at Trinity have taken root and flourished into full-grown passions. You’ll also read stories of those in our community who bring their gifts from outside to help us learn. At Trinity, we seek to develop lifelong learners, and stories here will illustrate real-life examples of that beautiful symbiosis.