Getting Strings Back In Schools: Part 2

My Students

Budget cuts are happening everywhere across the U.S. The first two programs being cut in schools are music and art, and on top of that, string programs typically are the first to be cut in the music department. It is my goal to bring strings back into Schenevus Central School.

The school I work at is located in a small town where about 40 percent of its population is currently living in poverty.

Although a high percentage of Schenevus students live in poverty, they are very motivated, inspirational, smart, fun, passionate, and charming nonetheless. My students have ideas and opinions that make every class fun, adventurous, and educational. The school itself does not have very much room for extra curricula funding in result of all the budget cuts going on, so as much as I would like to start a string program, I need to find money completely on my own in order to support the program. Since the school cannot afford to start a string program during the academic day, I plan to volunteer my time during after school hours in order to help teach the program with a visiting artist, who will also be volunteering her time.

My Project

In order to start a string program at Schenevus Central School, the students will need instruments, strings, and rosin. Almost all of the students of Schenevus have never had an experience with a violin, viola, cello, or double bass. The closest most of the students could get to playing one of these stringed instruments, is a ukulele or a guitar. A string program is just as valuable as a band or choral program. A violin for example, has so much history that goes along with how it was first created, how it developed over time, and how its' repertoire developed along with it. For financial reasons, I plan to start teaching only the violin. Eventually as the program grows, I intend to include the viola, cello, and double bass. The students will learn about their instruments, how to care for them, how to interpret and perform various levels and styles of repertoire, and how to appreciate string music.

Donations to my project will make a huge difference in my students'™ lives.

Your money will help enrich their musical experiences and education. "Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation, and by studying music in schools, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective" (Bill Clinton, Former President of the United States).