Get to Know DCYOP – Ken Giles

It is hard to imagine a program day that doesn’t start and end with Ken Giles in the building. A beginner violin and viola instructor at DYCOP for over 20 years, Mr. Giles is also a proud former DCYOP parent and a trained musician who performed with the likes of American folk legends such as Pete Seeger and Odetta. Read on to learn more about Mr. Giles’ fascinating life story, including his lifelong commitment to combining his passion for music with social justice movements. Where did you grow up?

I was born in Chicago, and lived in Galesburg, Illinois for elementary and middle school. I moved to Interlochen, Michigan for high school, but this was interrupted in 1965 when I was a U.S. Senate Page and lived in D.C. Then, back to Interlochen. I graduated in 1967 and went on to attend Swarthmore College. I came to D.C. permanently in 1971.

How did you get started on your instrument?

I played viola in elementary through high school, and came from a musical family – Mom played string bass; Dad played trombone; we all played in local community orchestra in Galesburg. Interlochen was very educational.  Played a concert every week, lots of repertoire. Amazing students… some destined to be star performers. I was not a great performer, but I learned a lot.

Did you always want to become a professional musician? What was your path (did you play in youth orchestra growing up, study music in college, have you pursued other careers, etc.)?

Two important themes for me: music, especially how music can help change our society and improve things, and social activism for equality and peace. And I have always emphasized the connection between music and social change. Civil rights songs helped promote the civil rights movement, and “We Shall Overcome” became the anthem. I teach my students the classics, and also civil rights songs, labor songs, fiddle tunes, some blues/jazz. All kinds of music and the history of our society associated with the music.

When I first came to DC, I worked for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Then, inspired by DCYOP when my kids were there, I switched to music teaching.

How long have you taught at DCYOP and what is one of your favorite memories?

My two boys were students at DCYOP from 1986 to 1997…one played violin, the other French horn. I was so inspired by the music teaching and the community spirit that I decided to become a teacher. I took Suzuki training and child development classes, and got certified as music teacher at Shepherd Elementary School in D.C.. I started teaching at DCYOP in the early 2000’s. It’s the best thing I do.

What do you like most about teaching?

Helping younger folks play their instruments, and introducing them to all kinds of music… from classical to topical to folk to blues/jazz.  And passing on to a younger generation what I learned in my 75 years.

Do you do perform/teach outside of DCYOP?

I still do group violin classes at Shepherd Elementary School (and occasionally recruit students to DCYOP), and I teach private lessons, many with DCYOP students. I sing with DC Labor Chorus – labor union songs, civil rights songs, topical songs. In the 1970’s-1980’s, I performed with the folk music band “Bright Morning Star.” We sang civil rights songs, peace songs, and environmental songs, and performed with Odetta, Pete Seeger, and Holly Near. It was music with a message.

Who is one of your favorite performers? Why?

Rhiannon Giddens is an excellent instrumentalist (banjo, fiddle), and singer/songwriter.  She’s reviving the multicultural songs and dance tunes of Appalachian people (Black and White) from 100 years ago, and recently succeeded Yo-Yo Ma as leader of the “Silk Road” ensemble, an international group of musicians playing music from all over the world.

Pete Seeger was a mentor and friend to me.  I learned so much about music and history… how music can change our society for the better.

What is one of your favorite pieces of music? Why?

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” is an optimistic anthem that is often called the Black national anthem, though I think the lyrics can be sung universally. My DCYOP chamber group performed “Lift Every Voice” last year.

What are your interests outside of music? 

Civil rights (as a US Senate Page, I saw the Voting Rights Act pass in 1965);  peace (longtime antiwar activist and conscientious objector); environmentalism (climate change; renewable energy).

Where is your favorite place to go for fun/what is your favorite thing to do in DC?

The Labor Day concert on the Capitol Lawn by the National Symphony. This year, they played some Duke Ellington music, and Christylez beatboxed while the NSO played Go-Go.