Strings Initiative Program
Richmond High School is fortunate to have the oldest high school strings program in the country, beginning in 1899. Studies and data that show how music education, as early as possible, does nothing but benefit young people and enhance their lives well into adulthood.
Members of Richmond Community Orchestra wanted to give young people, especially those who might not otherwise be exposed to music, an opportunity to learn the violin.
In 2013 RCO created The Strings Initiative Program, through which area 4th and 5th graders are introduced to the violin before formal instruction begins in the public school system. We provide the instructor and appropriately-sized violins for free. The Baroque Violin Shop in Cincinnati, Ohio generously provides free supporting supplies & books. There is no cost to families.
Through this program, we have partnered with:
- Girls Inc., of Wayne County,
- Hagerstown Arts Place,
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County,
- Amigos the Richmond Latino Center
- Richmond Friends School, and
- Townsend Community Center.
We are looking to expand the program to other students in Wayne County Indiana and neighboring counties, including Ohio.
We are in need of string instructors willing to work with groups of students. Instructors are compensated and would teach group lessons for beginners. Interested parties can email the RCO: sip@rcoindiana.org
Any organization that works with children and would like information about a possible partnership with the RCO on providing string instruction should email us at: sip@rcoindiana.org
