Young musicians perform recital in Sparta

Sparta High School sophomore Eileen Huhn held her very first music recital this past Sunday at her home in Sparta. Eight local students, five pianists and three cellists performed a variety of holiday music for 25 family and friends.

Eileen began teaching a young student, Gianna Ramieri about two years ago when Gianna's mother had heard about Eileen's success as a pianist and wondered if she would be interested in teaching. Since then Eileen has taken on seven other students.

Eileen began taking piano lessons at age six with Joan Farrington in Sparta. She has won both International and National Competitions and has played at Carnegie Hall three times.

Eileen said "I love working with kids, and this just seemed like a great opportunity to combine my love for music and children. I am so proud of my students today, they performed beautifully."

Students performing on Cello were Marguerite Bysshe, Thomas and JJ Kane. The pianists were Michael and Brianna Burns, Ellie Fagersten, Tyler Harms and Gianna Ramieri.

Eileen credits her teachers for her success. Mrs. Farrington, as well as her current piano teacher Wayne Weng from The Lindeblad School of Music and Andrea Santora, director of The Sparta Middle School Orchestra.

When asked her future plans, Eileen said she is working on a summer program to offer free lessons to underprivileged kids. "I want children who wouldn't normally have the opportunity to be exposed to piano or cello to get that chance."

Eileen is an honor student at Sparta High School and will be touring Europe this summer with The Sussex County Youth Orchestra.