BY BOBBIE HAYSE Messenger-Inquirer
A quote that Kentucky Wesleyan College music professor Diane Earle holds dear to her heart is: “If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don’t hoard it. Don’t dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke,” by Brendan Francis.
Earle, a piano player and teacher, honors this by volunteering and playing locally, as well as worldwide.
She said that if a person has been gifted with a talent, they have a responsibility to share it with the community in any way they can.
Earle has shared this philosophy with some of her piano students, who honor it by
traveling to various assisted living facilities, nursing homes and community centers
throughout the area. The programs are free and open to the public, and provide a win-win experience for the students and their audiences, Earle said.
Their next concert is 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Elizabeth Munday Senior Center at 1650 W. Second St.
“It helps students apply their musical learning to real-life situations,” Earle said. “I want them to fall in love with service learning.”
Randall Vogt, the chair of divisions of fine arts and humanities at KWC, said the program fits well with Earle’s vision.
“Pianists serve the community and this is a great opportunity for the students,” he said. “To have their gift shine for the public and community is such a positive thing.”
Amber Bryant is a student of Earle’s who has been playing piano for 13 years. She is a senior education major at KWC and has been with Earle and others for the past three years. Bryant, 20, of Owensboro, said that not only is the program a good way to meet other pianists in the community, it is also a good way to give back.
“We really get in touch with the community,” she said.
She enjoys seeing the reactions of the senior citizens for whom they play.
“Just seeing their smiling faces is so rewarding,” she said.
She also commended Earle for her mission.
“I can’t emphasize enough how awesome Dr. Earle is,” Bryant said. “She’s understanding and helpful, even beyond piano playing. She goes above and beyond to make us feel like family. It’s very encouraging.”
Bobbie Hayse, bhayse@messenger-inquirer.com
Courtesy Messenger-Inquirer