Sharing violins not holding kids back
Despite limited funds and instruments, a passionate group of Mangere kids are showing that the violin can be fun for anyone.
Students of Viscount School recently put on a fundraising concert and showcased their newly found skills with the classical musical instrument.
Headed by teacher Mei Fong Edgar, the school funds the weekly String Programme which ensures students get a half hour lesson in groups of six to 12, sharing twenty violins between them.
But unlike the normal pattern for learning an instrument, practice at home is a no-no as the school’s violins aren’t allowed to leave the room due to a scarcity of resources.
To meet this challenge, the free concert aimed to raise funds for more violins and cellos. It brought together students from different years to perform the likes of Old Mcdonald and Fre`re Jacques.
Mohammed Sifaaz, a year 6 student says he likes to play the violin because ‘‘it is fun. I like to play Old McDonald’’.
A decent violin costs about $199 at the store, but to make it easier for the parents the school offers them for $95.
Edgar started teaching at the school three years ago.
She says the number of students ‘‘has increased from five to more than sixty-five. There are easily another fifty students who wish to learn the violin’’.
‘‘We probably have the highest number of students who want to learn the violin voluntarily, in any primary school in New Zealand,’’ she asserts.
At the show, she talked about how Albert Einstein started playing the violin when he was six, and that the next Einstein could be in their midst.
Edgar says she charges less to this school than her usual fee.
‘‘I include unpaid extras and I take no holiday or sick leave entitlement. This is not ideal security for a solo mum such as myself but it is wonderful to be in a setting where the students often run to their violin lesson,’’ she says.
Edgar has a Music Education Degree and also teaches at Otahuhu College and Owairaka Primary School. She plays in the St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra.
She adds: ‘‘Making music is about fun, an emotional release, a brain tease. Playing with others and figuring out new music keeps one’s mind buzzing!’’