My first published article!!

A Living Legacy: Keeping Music Alive in York County

“It is hard to put into words the feelings you have for someone who has given your family the gift of music.”

(Link to the magazine it was published in - Creative York)

Mrs.Venona Detrick (or “Nonie” as her friends and family affectionately call her) is one such person. Nonie has played a monumental role in igniting a deep passion for music in the lives of numerous students throughout her career as both a public and private music educator. The opening quote to this article was shared by Jennifer, a parent of not one, but five of Nonie’s private music students. She went on to share that, “Nonie’s little body houses an enormous spirit. She brings so much energy and joy into our lives, and our sons have grown tremendously as musicians under her tutelage!”

Over the past 10 years, Nonie has maintained a studio of about 30 students on a consistent basis. Parents of Nonie’s students are eager to give her praise. One parent appreciates that she “sets high expectations and insists on excellence” while noting how Nonie works tirelessly both in her job as a public school teacher and in her private violin studio.The parents go on to state how they have been blessed by Nonie’s “expertise, patience, expectations, and superb instruction” and view her as an “extremely gifted musician and teacher.”

Within the community, Nonie has received a wonderful review from the current conductor of the York Junior Symphony Orchestra, Kathleen Yeater, who stated, “Mrs. Detrick is an excellent private teacher. During my years as director of the York Junior Symphony Orchestra, Nonie’s students have not only been members of the orchestra but are frequently leaders in the violin section and members of YJSO select string ensemble.”

Throughout her career as a private music teacher, Nonie has sought to emphasize the teachings of Dr. Suzuki. One such way was by establishing the first ever York Area Suzuki Superbowz, which has performed for various civic groups, community events, and churches.

When I asked what her mission was in regard to her private or public teaching, she stated, “When students are able to find something they love, which they acquired a deep passion for and can participate in the rest of their lives, I know I have succeeded.”

Outside of her classrooms, Nonie is focused on making sure everyone understands that music is “not simply a want, but a need.” Her philosophy reflects that of David Barenboim, which states, “What is, ultimately, perhaps the most difficult lesson for the human being—learning to live with discipline yet with passion, with freedom yet with order—is evident in any single phrase of music.” This emphasizes the point that music and the other arts are essential factors in the development of mature and thoughtful adults, who in turn, greatly benefit society.

When I met Nonie for the first time, approximately four years ago,I knew this was someone who was well respected, full of energy, and focused on putting others first. Within a few moments, it was evident that she was more than willing to take me under her wing and assist me in reaching my goals. She was constantly going out of her way to ask how I was doing and how else she could be supporting me in pursuing my dreams as a fellow musician and private music teacher.

She not only goes out of her way to support others in accomplishing their goals, but she also leads by example. From the time she was a young child growing up in Wichita, Kansas, Nonie dreamed of becoming a member of the Wichita Symphony. With the support of her parents, she was able to not only join the symphony, but also become principal second and concertmaster. She has been an active member of the York Symphony Orchestra since 1989 and is also a member of the Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra, Allegro Chamber Orchestra of Lancaster, and a string quartet called No Strings Attached. Her life is a reflection of the quote accredited to Ludwig van Beethoven,“Then let us all do what is right, strive with all our might toward the unattainable, develop as fully as we can the gifts God has given us, and never stop learning.”

Nonie also shared from her own personal experience that, “Music has made me a more sensitive person, and more attuned to others. It has provided an outlet for me to express my emotions, and it has opened my eyes to what is beautiful in the world. Music can and does transcend your feelings.” Nonie’s vast influence is seen most clearly through her work in the public school setting. 

When I asked Anne Moul, one of her colleagues, to share how Nonie has had a positive impact in the school setting,Anne stated,“I think much of the success of Dallastown’s orchestra program can be directly attributed to the outstanding private teaching Nonie does in her studio. Her students not only demonstrate fine technique,but also play very expressively, which is a more difficult concept to teach. These students are role models for their peers, and their advanced playing and leadership raises the level of the entire orchestra. Public school music programs, especially in this age of dwindling financial support and ever increasing emphasis on standardized testing, are greatly dependent upon professionals in the community willing to nurture young talent.We have been very blessed to have the students from Nonie’s studio enhance all levels of our orchestra program for many years.”

Through all the ups and downs of being a music educator, Nonie has been determined to be there for her students. She has enjoyed invaluable support from her loving family and experienced the joy of seeing the passion for music come alive in all three of her extremely talented sons. She has also found true joy and amazing support from the many wonderful families she has felt honored to work with over the years—finding them to be an invaluable source of encouragement and instrumental in keeping the arts alive, not only in her school district, but throughout York County.

My Bio for the Article:
Rhonda Ritenour currently operates a private music studio with approximately 20 students. She’s also an agent with the Baltimore Life Companies in York, PA. If you would like to contact Rhonda, you can reach her at rhonda.ritenour@baltlife.com.