“If you listen closely, the sound of classical music fills Hills and Dales Park, and it’s coming from a Kettering [Ohio] 13-year-old,” writes Kelley King in Monday’s (11/16) WDTN-TV (Dayton, OH). “Thomas Bussen is a self-taught violinist, and even more impressive is that he also skateboards while playing…. ‘I thought … it would probably be fun to ride the skateboard and play my instrument and see if I could do it,’ says Thomas. Thomas started playing the viola at 9 years old. A teacher first showed him correct posture and taught him the names of notes. He [taught] himself how to play … violin. While he was initially learning to play the viola, he also took up skateboarding. Just last year, he combined his two talents, practicing in his neighborhood and the park. In doing so, he’s attracted some attention…. Thomas says balance is key. ‘When you’re playing the violin, it’s hard enough to try and keep the pressure, the weight of the bow balanced to make an even sound. And when you’re riding the skateboard a lot of times the road is very rocky,’ … [says] Thomas. Thomas has dreams of becoming a soloist someday.”
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