That Viola Kid – Drew Forde – visits El Dorado, Kraemer and Tuffree to share his classical music experience

Paul Grant, the orchestra teacher at El Dorado High School, coordinated some special motivation for his students this week.

A visit from Drew Alexander Forde, also known as “That Viola Kid.”

After an early morning session at El Dorado, Drew and Mr. Grant set out to inspire more students at other school sites, including Kraemer and Tuffree middle schools.

At Tuffree, Drew worked with 90 students in the orchestra. His ability to relate to the students was fantastic. He gave pointers on music the students were learning, and gave a mini master class as Tuffree student Kadie Park performed a movement of a concerto.

According to Tuffree music teacher Jim Hahn, “We’re always looking for ways to take the students to a higher level, and Drew Forde did just that.”

“I can’t thank Drew enough for working with all my students – they absolutely loved him!” said Mr. Grant. “His enthusiasm and personality has left hundreds of orchestra student leaving school with a greater sense of excitement and inspiration for classical music.”

Drew started playing the viola at the late age of 12, and went on to solo with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra during his senior year of high school. Soon after acquiring his bachelor’s degree in viola performance at the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University, Drew went on to finish his musical studies at The Juilliard School, obtaining a Master of Music degree.

Drew has developed a robust following throughout numerous social media platforms, largely because of his candid communication, unique perspective and contagious enthusiasm. A master of many faces, from silly to serious, Drew seeks to demystify the stubborn perceptions of classical music.