Made by China: Local artist creates award-winning music

ELGIN -- She has never taken a music lesson, but 13-year-old China Barnes recently won an award for her musical talent.

Although her family sings and listens to music all the time in their Elgin home, the aspiring artist is self-taught and recently won an award for her digital music compilation in the Regional Digital Arts Festival. She won the top award for the Midwest region in the 13- to 15-year-old category. She was one of 17 people to compete for the Midwest regional award. China is happy for the chance to gain hands-on tech experience.

The festivals are sponsored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Microsoft and Best Buy Children's Foundation to technologically enable 4.8 million youth served by more than 4,000 Boys & Girls clubs nationwide and abroad.

China's project fused orchestral themes with electric piano, drums and vocal sounds.

"I was really excited when I won the school award and more excited when I won the regional one. It was kind of cool because everybody got to listen to my music for a little bit. It was really exciting. I was really surprised when I won because I never knew I could win," she said.

China said the process taught her how to fuse different kinds of music.

"Before I thought different kinds of music didn't go together, but now I learned that it can. ... I found some weird technobeeps and boops and stuff on my computer that go together," she said.

Her aspirations for the future include improving her technical skills and taking music lessons.

"I would like to really work with more music on computers -- putting together my own music just on a computer. I also want to take music lessons, because I know if I really work hard, you can record some of your own music into the program," China said.

A typical teenager who attends Larsen Middle School, China ultimately would like a career in art, either painting or drawing with pencil or charcoal. She enjoys working alone, but she does get input from friends.

China has access to newer technologies because of the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin's Club Tech program. She frequents the club every day. The Club Tech program is in its sixth year. The nationwide program involves digital movie-making, photo illustration, graphic design, music production and Web design.

Jim Chambers, technology coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin, says the club is committed to enabling kids in their artistic endeavors.

"A lot of it is just creating an opportunity for these kids to experiment with the environment, giving them the opportunity and guiding them along the way. You'd be amazed at what could happen," Chambers said.

Chambers hopes China's success will serve to inspire more Boys & Girls Club youth to pursue technological proficiency.

"I think it has definitely inspired more of the club members to join up on the digital arts programs because of the recognition China receives. It is great for our club; it is the first time our club has been recognized on this level," Chambers said.

Barnes received a plaque and a $75 gift card at Best Buy for winning the regional award.

 

article from the Courier News