WS Chronicle

Tyler Montgomery, 15, recently walked into The Bass Violin Shop in Greensboro to have his upright bass repaired. While waiting, he asked the owner if he could play the bass that the shop had on display. As the young man played, a crowd formed. Tyler played with such precision and passion that other patrons could not help but to stop and take notice.

Shop owner Bob Beerman noted the condition of the bass that Tyler brought in. It was tattered from hours of practice, years of use and miles of traveling. Tyler,

The Bass Violin Shop’s Teresa and Bob Beerman and Sanders Trippe (right).

they learned, was a member of the Triad Youth Jazz Society, a non-profit organization of young musicians between the ages of five and 18 that play classical jazz. Tyler is one of the Society’s stars, making the all state orchestra on several occasions.

Bob pondered the situation for several moments, talked with his wife, Teresa, and made the decision to donate the upright bass that Tyler was so expertly playing to the Triad Youth Jazz Society.

“As a small business owner in this tough economy we can’t do a lot … but we do what we can,” Teresa Beerman said.

For more information about The Bass Violin Shop, 523 N. Cedar St. in Greensboro, visit www.bassviolinshop.com.