Currently, fifteen Hope Academy kindergarten through second graders are receiving intensive regular Suzuki violin lessons from a classically-trained, widely-regarded instructor. In order to qualify for a scholarship for this program, families must demonstrate financial need.
Our hope is that each year, six to twelve more students will enter the program. By 2011-2012, we envision a 40-50 student Strings of Hope Strings Choir will tour the metro area.
Strings of Hope is a joint effort of Hope Academy and The Gaius Project. The Gaius Project (thegaiusproject.org) administers program finances while Hope Academy provides facilities, oversight of the admission process, family support and fundraising assistance.
Violin Instructor
Mr. Jonathan Reaoch holds a B.A. in Music from Wheaton College. He currently teaches in Augsburg College's Suzuki Talent Education Program. He has trained with Nancy Lokken, Mimi Zweig, and Edward Kreitman, and has a passion for excellent violin pedagogy and performance. He takes joy in working with urban kids, and sees Strings of Hope as an opportunity to serve the children of the city. (See his resume).
Supporting Strings of Hope
Students in Strings of Hope receive the same intensive, daily, hands-on instruction as they would at elite music schools such as the MacPhail Center for the Performing Arts. But with one crucial difference: these lessons are essentially free for Hope Academy students who economically qualify. (To read more about Hope Academy's costs and fees, click here)
95% of program expenses--including instruction, violins and supplies--are raised through donations.
The Gaius Project asks donors to consider giving gifts of the following amounts:
If you want to learn more about scholarshiping violin lessons for students with demonstrated financial need, contact Dan Olson at 612.721.6294 ext. 16 or dolson@hopeschool.org.
To support Strings of Hope make checks out to:
"The Gaius Project" with "Strings of Hope" in the memo line.
Mail to: Strings of Hope Fund
Minneapolis, MN 55404
If you have questions about Strings of Hope, contact Terra Widdifield.
