Music helps boy cope with loss of father

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

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Music struck a cord with 16-year-old Justin Von Fischer. (Slideshow)

MANATEE COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- The arts helped a Bay area student find an outlet for his emotions after losing his father.

Justin Von Fischer, 16, couldn't cry after his dad died. Then, he met music and that struck a cord.

His mother, Eileen, witnessed the change.

"He started to ball and sob," she said. "Gut wrenching cries just... it call came out."

"I don't know. It just got to me," Justin said.

James Crumbly, Justin's music teacher, watched as Justin evolved too.

"He began to open up, joke around with us," Crumbly said.

Justin says playing the guitar has gotten him back into the groove.

"It definitely helps with connection, with understanding stuff," Justin said.

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Justin has spent a lot of time at the Patel Conservatory at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Teachers say students involved with the performing arts are not only better in touch with their emotions but are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.

"When you stimulate the emotional level, that connects with the individual level," Crumbly said. "Those things together make a student more holistic."

The conservatory caters to kids of all ages. Instructors say the performing arts aid in the development of math and science skills and encourage independence.

For Justin, it's been more like a lifesaver.

"Music was Justin's savior," his mom said.

Justin will be performing with the Patel Conservatory's Rock School Blowout on Nov. 15. It will be at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

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