Kevin Randolph tells beginners they will sometimes want to quit. (Michelle Pemberton for The Star)

Randolph performs as part of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. (Michelle Pemberton for The Star)

When Kevin Randolph moved from Florida to Indianapolis at the age of 11, he found himself stuck in a study hall while other kids were taking part in clubs and activities.

"I started hanging out in the music room, and when the teacher asked what instrument I wanted to play, I randomly pointed to the viola," said Randolph, 22. Since then he's switched to violin, offering lessons and playing as a freelance musician.

As a student he joined the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, founded in 1995 by Betty Perry as a way to help inner-city youth gain musical experience and valuable life skills. The orchestra is made up of more than 125 teachers and students, in kindergarten through 12th grade.

"At the time I got involved, it was my escape from my home reality. It wasn't a good living situation. This gave me a chance to stay after school and socialize and I grew to love it," said Randolph, who moved through the ranks as mentor and teacher, and now serves as program coordinator.

He reminds new students that there will be times they want to quit.

"If it's something they're meant to do, then they'll stick it out," said Randolph, who listens to a variety of "chill house music" and aspires to touring as a nonclassical violinist.

After graduating from Key Learning Center in 2003, Randolph enrolled at Butler University, where he majored in music, under the tutelage of artist-in-residence Larry Shapiro, until withdrawing for financial reasons.

As a freelance musician, Randolph has performed with dancer and choreographer Savion Glover, as the opening act of the World Gymnastics Championships, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis and the Kokomo and Danville (Illinois) orchestras.

"I like playing classical violin, but my passion is alternative violin -- jazz and R&B," said Randolph, who has performed more than once with local jazz violinist Cathy Morris. Last May, Randolph performed for presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton at a fundraiser at the Hamilton County home of Mel and Bren Simon.

"She was a lot more personable than you get from her on TV. I'm impressed with her views and plans for change," said Randolph. "That whole gig was worth it just to play for Hillary Clinton," said Randolph.

- By T.J. Banes