The Owensboro Symphony will take their Strings Attached program to the Maximilian Montessori Academy today to provide an opportunity for K-2 students to hold a violin and play some notes. Due to the current restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, this program will be held outdoors in the school’s courtyard.
For the last three years the Owensboro Symphony has taken this string program to the Montessori Academy for the older students, but Friday’s program is the first to be geared towards the youngest students.
Owensboro Symphony Academy Suzuki String instructor Adrienne Vallandingham will be there to instruct, demonstrate and guide the students to their first notes.
“It’s always a treat to see young students and how excited they get when trying something new,” Vallandingham said.
The program is an attempt to provide equity and access in music education to students in county, city, private and home school systems.
“Some schools can be underserved when it comes to the arts due to budgetary issues or the lack of trained instructors,” Vallandingham said. “We are committed to all students in the region, whether it is by visiting every school or through Zoom sessions, all students deserve every opportunity to grow and learn.”
The violins used for this program are 1/8 size, which are about 17 inches long and designed for students age 4-6 years old. These mini violins make it possible for little hands to maneuver. The instruments were purchased through a grant awarded by the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
“The Owensboro Symphony is committed to our mission of education in our community and schools,” said Gwyn Payne, CEO of the Symphony. “Even with the challenges that COVID has brought, we will continue to find creative ways to reach students.”
This string program was made possible in part by the Michael E. Horn Family Foundation.
