Music education is being expanded in the North Okanagan.
The Vernon Community Music School is establishing a string instrument library program after a $10,500 donation from the Telus-Thompson Okanagan Community Board. The money will be used to purchase quality violins, violas and cellos.
“We are thrilled to be able to purchase these instruments and make them available to our students,” said Bev Martens, a VCMS faculty member.
“Telus is creating a lasting legacy as these instruments will be used by many students for many years to come.”
The instrument library program will fill multiple needs in the musical community.
Instruments will be loaned to students of families in financial need.
They will be offered to experienced students whose musical development will progress further with a higher quality instrument.
They will also be loaned to students curious to experiment with a new or alternative instrument.
Finally, they will be used in the annual Campo Cello summer program offered at the music school.
There are six faculty members teaching more than 100 string students at VCMS.
Students cam branch into other genres of music, from jazz to blue grass to ethnic, as well as playing classical pieces.
String students also participate in the VCMS Carriage House Orchestra, a 25-member youth string ensemble that plays at many local festivals and recently performed with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.
“A good quality instrument and a helping hand make all the difference in a young student’s musical experience, development, and commitment,” said Morna Howie, a faculty member.
“The instrument library program will make it possible for many more young people to have this experience.”
