By Tiffny Rhodius
A “normal teenager” who is “funny, outgoing and down to earth” is how Tevera Franklin, a soft-spoken 14-year-old Bishops High student describes herself. But Tevera’s talents include playing the piano, the violin and pan, though when she first started music it was just a means to keep her occupied.
Tevera took up playing the piano at the age of eleven under the supervision of Pauline Mitchell and later at the age of 13 she took up the violin with supervision by Ms Clark. Reflecting on how she got introduced to the instruments, Tevera said that her mom first signed her up for the piano class as a means to keep her occupied.
Later, she said, as she was marvelling at the talent of a young violinist on the television she voiced the thought about playing the violin. Her mother acting on what she said signed her up for violin classes as well. Tevera admits that at first she was “uninterested” in learning, “At first it was dreary but then I started to like it.”
While Tevera does not see herself as a career musician in years to come, she does hope to one day be able to play a wide range of string instruments because, “They carry the melody and not a lot of people can play them.” But most of all it’s the challenge of mastering the instruments that makes her want to do it. So although she did not identify herself this way, it’s clear that Tevera is also a young lady who cannot resist a challenge.
The arts stream student, who will be going into Form Three in the new school term, said that she would like to become a lawyer. However, she has not made up her mind as to what field of law she wants to practice. The vision is there for Tevera’s future but the details are still to be worked out. She is living in the present and plans to have a relaxing school break.
For this year already, Tevera has performed at the Guyana Music Festival; at a fund-raising event at the St George’s Cathedral and at Musicians on Stage.
Musicians on Stage is organised by the Guyana Music Teachers Association and it showcases students who have gained a merit pass or above after taking the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exam.
Tevera was awarded the Miriam Daniels/Sybil Husbands trophy for having earned a distinction in piano grade two. She also won the Junior Music Teachers prize for pupils.
Tevera’s connection with music continues to draw her in even as she has no intention to pursue it at a more serious level. She plays steel pan with the Bishop’s High School Band. And she notes that many of her friends when they find out that she plays the piano and the violin find it odd as it contrasts with her an “outgoing” teen who “likes arguing” personality. For Tevera, classical music “makes you feel like somewhat civilised. It helps you to want to make yourself proper and ladylike”. It is obvious that she is able to strike a balance between her normal teenage exuberance and being a classical musician.
She also believes that music in class in good because, “It will help a lot of children. It helps you to be an all-rounded individual. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn something new.”
Although Tevera has a lot she hopes to accomplish in her future she knows that youth is on her side and she plans to use it to her advantage in achieving what she wants. “Right now I just want to make life fun.”
