Rockwell saws on a fiddle, and plays it hot

By MELISSA STOVER / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

ROCKWELL

A violin isn’t usually the instrument a child asks to play. Guitar, drums and saxophone come to mind, especially if that child is a boy.

But local resident Drue Rockwell isn’t your usual young man. Playing violin since he was 4 years old, Drue said he begged for his first instrument. Now at 14, Drue is an accomplished violinist with aspirations to play with a symphony some day.

In the meantime, Drue is honing his skills by playing with the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra, which he has done for the last three years

“It makes it more fun when I can play with other people,” said Drue. “It also increases your confidence.”

If his symphony aspirations aren’t enough to convince you he’s no typical teenager, Drue also plays the piano, mandolin and sings. While his musical talent is outstanding, his personality and manners are equally impressive. He’s described by friends as caring, loving and polite.

Drue is home-schooled so he can devote more time to his violin. This also allows him time to do numerous volunteer activities, including playing his violin at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, local nursing homes and at Cedars of Lebanon Academy.

A native of Costa Rica, living here for only five or so years, Drue speaks fluent Spanish. One of five children, Drue credits his parents for his introduction to and love of classical music and says his family is his biggest supporter.