Empowering 3rd-5th graders through music education
This summer, we partnered with Lauren Garza of Harmony Scholars to provide 7 weeks of free violin/viola lessons, hosted at 2 neighborhood sites: Hope Church and Heights of Hope!
Twenty-two beginner students in 3rd-5th grade engaged in age-appropriate lessons exposing them to the foundational skills including rhythm, music structure, and playing in an ensemble. Through fun games & imaginative exercises that foster meaningful learning, students laughed and learned how to properly hold and pluck a violin/viola, and they graduated to playing by bow for their final few weeks, culminating in a musical “informance” for parents and caregivers. Throughout the summer, they grew in confidence while practicing self-discipline, perseverance, active listening, empathy, teamwork, and self advocacy.
It was amazing to see the students’ progress over the course of 7 weeks, and we’re hopeful that this fun and fruitful introduction will encourage participation in their school orchestras as well as a lifelong love for making music.
Local musician Chris Garcia, a member of the band Grupo Super Nova, came and played guitar and sang during the 6th week of class, and he shared how music impacted his life – he learned how to play music as a kid on homemade instruments, and then formed a band with his brothers. They’ve been playing together for 28 years and have traveled abroad to meet some of their musical heroes. Lauren improvised on the viola as Chris played, and they talked with the students about the joy of making music with friends, even when it doesn’t sound perfectly polished.
Students shared their joy and enthusiasm, saying:
- “It’s been great!”
- “I feel like I’m learning more here than I will be during orchestra.”
- “I was really scared to come…my mom made me do it; but now I’m really glad I came because it’s been really fun and I want to learn to play cello, so this will help me because the strings on the viola are the same.”
- “I loved learning how to play (and I really don’t like learning, usually! :)”
- “I found a new comfort place….my viola, well, this class. I like how you make me feel when I come to class, how you welcome me”
This partnership was funded by MiLEAP Out-of-School-Time, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, and the Shine Foundation. Thank you!
