By Molly Gibson | Development Associate
Your support is giving new and rewarding opportunities to inner-city children throughout New York. Only a month has passed since the New Year—and our students have already impressed and inspired us with what they’ve accomplished! Partner schools held Breakfast with the Band/Orchestra concerts in January, giving beginning ensemble students a chance to showcase their new skills. After just a few months of practicing—many of these students had no prior instrumental experience—the ensembles played with confidence and professionalism for their friends and families.
One ETM teacher, who teaches both general music and string orchestra, took a moment to reflect on how much one of her students (a fifth grader this year) has matured since picking up the viola.
“Ramon’s mother told me one day that she has constantly tried to get Ramon into different after school activities, such a swimming, basketball and art classes, but nothing ever really stuck with him,” she writes.
“Last year, Ramon began playing the viola with me [through ETM’s program]. He fell in love with the instrument and playing in an ensemble. Ramon’s mother let me know that playing the viola is all Ramon ever wants to do. He practices almost every night, he looks up violists on [YouTube] to watch and listen to and he is always talking about music. Ramon is one of the best violists in my group. I can tell that the practicing had paid off. Ramon was fortunate enough to earn a scholarship to [a] summer music program last summer, where he learned more about how to play the viola from professional strings players. His technique has grown since the summer. Ramon is currently looking for middle schools that have an orchestra program and is looking for a private teacher.
“He is friendly, kind and absolutely loves music! I can always count on Ramon to not only be a great musician, but a good helper and a leader during all music classes.
“I am very proud of all that Ramon has accomplished in the short year and a half that I have known him.”
Playing the viola has helped Ramon find focus and passion. And thanks to your support, Education Through Music is giving thousands more students in the New York City area the same kinds of opportunities. As always, thank you!
March is “Music In Our Schools Month,” a time to celebrate comprehensive and sequential music education nationwide. Show your support for ETM by forwarding this report to a friend or family member—they’ll be eager to make a difference, for Ramon and for all our students!
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