My middle school string students are fearless musicians who love a challenge and are always up for conquering new orchestra music, a new bowing style, risking to play in upper positions and trying out exciting rhythms. This did not happen overnight. I started the string program in this WV county 21 years ago and the 8th graders this year were once 3rd graders who just wanted to try something new. Now they are getting ready to compete in the WV Orchestra Festival, eight of them passed difficult auditions and made it into WV All-State Orchestra and a good number of them play in the All-County Middle School Chamber Orchestra.
One would think we are an affluent community offering orchestra and string education in all intermediate, middle and high schools but we are far from it.
75% of our students receive free or reduced lunch and many would not be able to afford instruments if it wasn't for our "Instruments from the Attic" drives.
There was a time when neither parents nor students knew what a "dress rehearsal" was but those times are over. Constant communication, good leadership, uncompromising love and dedication to string education developed enthusiastic students!
My Project
There is no house without a foundation. There is no satisfying orchestra sound without a bass or several basses. My middle school student orchestra has 50 members but we have only one beginner bass player on a 1/2 size bass. We envision at least two more 8th graders on a 3/4 bass. You say, "but this benefits only one or two students!"
Oh no- the bass is the grounding power in an orchestra.
Its sound penetrates the higher instruments and holds them together like glue! It is the father whose strength is felt and missed when he is not there and the sections of the family drift apart. It is a power to be reckoned with and everybody looks up to see where that glorious, smooth, booming and vibrating voice is coming from!
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