In Monday’s (1/2) Orlando Sentinel, David Breen writes about a violin program for Florida preschoolers. “About 80 at-risk kids have embarked on the music program—offered at Chambers Park Community Center, Boggy Creek Elementary and the Poinciana Academy of Fine Arts—to develop skills that will help them in kindergarten and beyond. Brain research indicates that string instruction can help pre-school children with language, motor, social, and other skills, as well as aiding focus and attention span. … Zion Thompson, Leah Perez and Rafael Ramdawar, all 4, take part in the lessons as part of the voluntary pre-K program at the Poinciana Academy of Fine Arts. Professional violinist Jonita Aadland instructs the children twice a week in 20-minute sessions. The other three days of the week the children’s regular teacher, fellow violin novice Rosemary Marcano, plays along with them to keep in practice. ‘It’s an awesome experience because you grow with them and you see differences in reading, math and concentration,’ Marcano said. ‘They pay more attention.’ … Though the early results have been very encouraging, the program’s future is unclear. The initial grant money from the state Department of Education will run out before the school year ends.”
Posted January 4, 2012
