The Soo Theatre Strings Faculty set out of a journey last winter to enlighten school-aged children about the bowed stringed instrument family. If your child goes to an elementary school in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, chances are they heard a professional strings trio make music together and introduce them to the violin, viola, and cello. If your child goes to a school where this demonstration has not taken place, please feel free to talk to your administration about getting in touch with the Soo Theatre to schedule one.
At the demonstrations, the students likely heard “Star Wars,” “Skip to My Lou,” and other familiar tunes. We introduced them to the bow, the rosin, and the instrument. If your child was fortunate enough to put their hand on the cello while it was being played, they would have felt the vibrations that stringed instruments make, which feels a bit like a cat purring. They heard the range of the instruments; how low and how high each can go. Many times, when the violin went very high, students would respond with “that sounds like my sister screeching.” When they heard how low the viola and cello go, all but one class said “that sounds like a freighter (boat).”
What many parents don’t realize is that stringed instruments come in many sizes, including very small ones. Children as young as 3 years old can start making music on a stringed instrument. If a child wants to play a trombone, for instance, they have to wait until their body is physically big enough to do so. Stringed instruments come in fractional sizes so that small children can play (even as young as 3 years old).
There are many advantages to playing a stringed instrument. It teaches students to persevere, work hard, and manage their time efficiently. It can strengthen coordination, give a new perspective on listening, helps students gain confidence through achievement and performance, and exposes students to all different kinds of music, enriching the cultural perspective of the student. Mostly, though, playing music can bring joy to a person’s life and encourages self-expression through the instrument as they learn to play the type of music they love. Playing an instrument is fun!
The Soo Theatre will be offering an 8-week introductory strings class this fall. This class will be geared towards 2nd through 5th graders who would like to try the violin or cello. The class will focus on how to hold the instrument, proper care for the instrument, bow hold, beautiful tone, and playing together in a group. The class will be held on Saturdays from 1:30-2:30pm at the Soo Theatre, starting October 24th. If you would like to know more or would like to register for the class, please contact the Soo Theatre at (906) 632-1930. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Instrument Rental information will be available when you call.
