MUSIC: Music is something that can come from anyone and anywhere.
By Tyler Demshki, Staff Writer
Talent can take many different forms, some more readily apparent than others. However, it burns brightly for 17-year-old Israel Tucker. Tucker—currently enrolled in Poly’s special education, general education, orchestra and digital music programs—is a piano virtuoso, possessing a natural gift for the instrument.
Tucker has played the piano for several years, and is entirely self-taught. He is unable to read or write sheet music, and thus plays entirely by memory. Despite this handicap, he composes and is able to play his own songs, such as “Red Cherry,” which he can play by memory despite having composed it over a year ago.
Aside from the piano, Israel is also fairly adept at the organ and, with the help of Poly’s Robert Haberder, is also learning to play the cello.
“I love to work with him,” Haberder said. “He has such a passion for music.”
Haberder’s main focus with Tucker is to improve his technique and teach him to read and write music. His ear for musical notes requires very little development, as he is able to discern them by sound.
Luckily, Tucker is not hiding his talent. He played for a talent show in July, and, though he did not win, he was invited to play at the Kiwanis Club in downtown Riverside later in the summer.
Tucker is a fine example of one who has a passion and, despite any difficulties, is able to cultivate it into something both rewarding and enjoyable. He is very open about playing in front of others and will hopefully continue to show those around him the beauty of his notes, just as he does now.