Katie and Andrew Van Varick, along with their friend, Emma Kline, have combined their considerable musical prowess to create an ensemble that performs at local venues, including the recent A Taste of Talent, which was held at Perona Farms on behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency. Although the oldest is only 15 years of age, between them the trio has managed to master the piano, organ, cello, violin and the viola. Even seasoned professionals are amazed by the trio’s proficiency. “Andrew and Katie Van Varick are two of the most musically talented kids with whom I have ever worked,” noted North Warren Regional High School Vocal Music Director and Theater Director Sarah Cohea. “Andrew is an accomplished accompanist and his abilities are far beyond most kids his age. Andrew and Katie are very personable, sweet kids with extraordinary talents.”
Andrew, who aspires to be a pit musician on Broadway some day, plays the piano and the organ, and has been featured at performances at local high schools, including Blair Academy and North Warren Regional. He was named Student of the Year by the American Theater Organ Society in July, 2011. Andrew’s sister, Katie, plays the cello and the viola, and has also played at North Warren Regional. Both siblings are home-schooled, which gives them a greater amount of time to practice and to take advantage of professional opportunities to explore their musical talents. Both are also members of the Sussex County Youth Orchestra.
The third member of the trio, violinist Emma Kline, manages to attend Newton High School, run track, participate in the Sussex County Youth Orchestra, and perform with her pals Andrew and Katie at various venues, including Newton High School and North Warren Regional. This was the trio’s second year performing at A Taste of Talent on behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency.
“We like doing this for the community because it makes us feel good to give back,” noted Andrew. Emma agreed, adding, “I like playing here because it’s nice to support organizations like Project Self-Sufficiency.” All three agree that the best thing about playing together is that it’s fun.
“A Taste of Talent is the most important fundraising event of the year for Project Self-Sufficiency, and we were delighted to have been able to showcase such extraordinary musical ability. The music provided by Katie, Andrew and Emma helped to make A Taste of Talent a memorable experience for everyone in attendance,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.
Since none of the trio members have a driver’s license, their parents came along for the evening. “They play pop music, show tunes, standards and other pieces you don’t typically associate with the violin and cello,” noted Deb Van Varick, the mother of Andrew and Katie. “And they have really embraced Project Self-Sufficiency.”
Kelly Kline, Emma’s mother, added, “Emma was excited to participate in A Taste of Talent because it gave her a different type of outlet for performing. She got to do what she loves for community service.”
Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,500 families, including over 30,000 children. The agency is in constant need of volunteers for a variety of tasks, from clerical work to landscaping. For information about volunteering at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.
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