Music in Mute: Deafness Doesn’t Silence This Musician
At age 6, Darlene took her first guitar lesson. By 25, she was playing in a band and recording music. Last March, she purchased new digital, programmable hearing aids. “Since I have had this problem all my life, I don’t view it as challenging so much.” Her problem is congenital deafness.
I interviewed Darlene Hagler about her upcoming performance for Art in the Park in Mint Hill, NC. She will be a solo performer on Sunday, August 26, 2007, for the festival which started three years ago to showcase artists, musicians, and local talents. 20 years ago, Darlene and her band traveled all over North Carolina and recorded a couple of demos. “We even had fans!” she quipped. Adult life and responsibilities crept in and the band went their separate ways, but Darlene still enjoys playing.
What kind of music do you play? I guess it would fall under pop/folk. I tend to get thrown in the “singer/songwriter” category.
Do you write your own songs or perform cover songs? Both. Usually more of my own, then I throw in something the audience will recognize so they don’t fall asleep on me!
When did you start learning to play an instrument, and which ones do you play? I began taking guitar lessons when I was 6. I also play bass, and have a drum machine I fiddle with.
What other venues have you played? Just these little art festivals lately. 20 yrs ago, in the band, we played everywhere – colleges, clubs, city festivals, etc. Now, I play these little festivals just to keep me from developing stage fright, which I did have when I first tried to play somewhere as a solo act right after the band broke up.
What challenges do you face from your hearing loss? Since I have had this problem all my life, I don’t view it as challenging so much. I have had problems vocally because I believe I sound louder than I am so I tend to not project as well. I purchased some programmable, digital hearing aids last March which help a lot, when I remember to wear them. The only time it really upsets me is when others are affected by my not hearing something in a way that they suffer because of it.
Who are your inspirations? I am always inspired by stories of people who triumph over great adversity.
Darlene is one of those people, although she doesn’t see herself as an inspiration. She is often apologetic for not hearing something or for someone misunderstanding something she has said. But when she plays her music, no one can misunderstand the feeling and the passion behind it, not to mention the true talent. And this singer/songwriter doesn’t stop shining when she walks off the stage. She is also one of the most sought-after trim carpenters in North Carolina. Her skilled woodwork has even been featured in Southern Living Magazine.
If you are anywhere in North Carolina this weekend, take a drive to Mint Hill and listen to Darlene. She is an inspiring musician whose love for lyrics and friends is perfect for a quaint weekend arts festival.
More from Darlene about the Mint Hill Art in the Park: One of our Mint Hill Town Commissioners, Tina Ross, began “Art in the Park” 3 years ago as a means for local artists to show and sell their craft. It has included all aspects of the Arts, from painting to wood turning, and there have been church choirs and rock bands. She tries to have something for everyone, but the main focus is to show off our own local talent, and it has been getting larger with each passing year.
weekend events, Mint Hill, North Carolina, music, musicians, inspiration, Darlene Hagler, women
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