Delaware Online: Violinist Nina Anderson to play National Anthem 6:30 PM, Dec. 13, National Violin Day, at Delaware 87ers Basketball Game, for Tova Sickle Cell Center

Nina Anderson

Aaron P. Dworkin
Founder, Sphinx Organization, and
Dean, University of Michigan 
School of Music, Theatre & Dance

Delaware Online

November 21, 2016

Delaware Voice Nina Anderson

I grew up in a working class musical family with parents who appreciated the arts. They instilled in me an appreciation for classical music and other music genres, that was pivotal in my upbringing. I started out playing the piano and was introduced to the violin at Warner Elementary in Wilmington. At the time, Warner had robust arts and music programs. Back then, taking up an instrument and active participation in the music and arts program were a required element as part of a student’s overall academic success.

Unfortunately, there were very few African-American students who took up playing the violin, and as I continued on, it was a rarity to hear a young violinist soloing a violin concerto. Throughout the years of training, I yearned for a cultural connection in the music community and mentorship with a classically trained African-American violin teacher and role model.

Although classical music may be of European in origin, its Afro-European and African-American lineage is diverse. During the 18th century, Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges was an Afro-French composer, violinist, and conductor. He became one of the earliest French composers of a string quartet and symphony. African-American born talented violinist and composer, Aaron Dworkin, a MacArthur Fellow, holds an annual competition for Black and Latino string players which aims to increase the number of minority professional symphony players. 

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Dec. 13, is National Violin Day, and the holiday honors the bowed-string instrument which is also known as the fiddle. The violin is part of the string family which includes the viola, cello, and bass. It is the highest pitched instrument of the family.

On that day, I will have the opportunity to play at a Delaware 87ers basketball game on center stage to raise Sickle Cell awareness, and call attention to the importance of music education. Please join me, as I will play the National Anthem on the violin to support the TOVA Sickle Cell Specialty Center at the Bob Carpenter Center at 6:30 p.m. during the pregame ceremony.

Dr. Nina Anderson is a founding member of the Umoja Strings, executive director of TOVA Community Health Sickle Cell Specialty Center, and is an affiliated assistant professor at the University of Delaware.

Comment by email:
Thanks so much for your message Bill and this is wonderful! Hope all is well… Aaron  [Aaron P. Dworkin]