There seems to be a bit of Mark Wesling in William the Monkey.
William, the subject of one of Wesling's songs on his new album, Be the
Bridge, was rather a serious fellow, wearing a tie and vest, marveling at
the buildings around him.
As the story goes, "He'd see buildings and skylines and so many doors/
filling people with ideas galore/ So many directions he could go/ each an
opportunity to increase what he'd know."
At one time, musician and songwriter Wesling was like William, considering the
directions he could go while being a suit-and-tie fellow himself.
A native of St. Louis, Miss., he started a career in the not-so-creative
financial industry.
Wesling followed in his father's and brother's footsteps. "I'm very good
at math and science," he explained . But his love of music pulled him in
another direction.
"I knew that I was getting so much support," he said. "I decided
when I was in my late 20s that I wanted to pursue performing and teaching full
time."
So with the encouragement of family and friends, Wesling went from the world of
numbers to the world of notes and rhythms. Wesling has been a music teacher in
Central Pennsylvania for the past seven years, teaching students age 6 to 70.
A teacher with Campbelltown Music Academy and at his home in Hershey, Wesling
has drawn inspiration extensively from his young students - and his seven nieces
and nephews - for the creation of Be the Bridge.
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For example, the song "Chocolate Milk" was inspired by his niece
Renee, who asked Wesling to write about her favorite drink.
When it came time to find a vocalist, Wesling sought out local talent Liza
Kawaller.
"She's very involved in local acting, and has volunteered a lot with
Hershey High School musicals," Wesling explained, "She did a great job
with the narration, singing the songs in a very dramatic, narrative way. She was
very professional."
His first CD, Dream Dance, was a collection of familiar classical pieces
mixed with classically-inspired works he penned.
"I put something together that was a nice showcase for jobs - a calling
card," Wesling said.
When it comes to writing, he doesn't have a set process. "I have this
sense," he explained. "I don't say 'I'm going to write.' I'm inspired
and have a melody, or maybe a phrase. I'll sit down and maybe write a chorus or
four or five verses of a song."
After Dream Dance, he set his sights on the holidays with a release of Christmas
Waiting, featuring four original songs. The title track was inspired by
"a child going to bed and dreaming about the next day and being near the
baby Jesus."
Be the Bridge was written to be enjoyed by both children and their
parents. "This project was created to provide positive images of school and
family relationships and importance of working together to help others," he
said.
"I financed the whole project," he continued. "It was sort of a
leap of faith. I'm very proud of it. Every song has a good message. It helps
teachers a lot."
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That leap of faith was worth it, Wesling said. "Music has inspired me to
lead a creative and full life," he explained. "It is one of the
greatest gifts given to us. I enjoy producing new music and helping students
progress through their efforts and am blessed to be able to make a living in
music."
In the future, Wesling hopes to expand the characters he's created, like
William the Monkey. Possibilities include cartoon videos and stuffed toys.
Wesling also includes a data file on each CD to print out chords and lyrics for
use in teaching. All files are in PDF format.
"A lot of music teachers have some guitar background, so they can play
along with the kids," he said.
"Be the Bridge" can be purchased at Borders Books and Music in
Harrisburg, by calling (717) 534-2380, or from Wesling's Website, www.markwesling.com.
By Matthew G. Solovey,
Editor, Hershey Chronicle
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