\u201cPlaying an instrument at an early age enhances a child\u2019s quality of life,\u201d says Lorcas. \u201cStudent musicians develop body coordination, abstract thinking and the ability to follow instructions.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Maria Lorcas, originally from Venezuela, will teach the elementary strings lessons in Spanish, English and Italian.<\/p><\/div>\n
Lorcas \u2014 who earned her master\u2019s degree in music performance from Carnegie Mellon University and is originally from Venezuela \u2014 will teach the lessons using a modified version of the Suzuki method with instruments donated by Tiller Strings<\/a> of Harrisonburg, Virginia.<\/p>\n The first year is a pilot program with first grade only, says Maria Archer, K-8 principal at the school. \u201cWe are incredibly fortunate to have someone of Ms. Lorcas\u2019 experience and passion to launch our program,\u201d says Archer. By starting with grade one and adding a new grade each year, as funding permits, every grade K-5 will have a string class by 2022-23, Archer anticipates.<\/p>\n The grant proposal, written by Lorcas and Archer, has a goal of teaching kindergarten through second graders violin and cello in Suzuki group classes, while third through fifth graders will study violin, viola and cello in ensemble settings. This will create a \u201c\u2018symphony orchestra culture,\u2019\u201d Lorcas says, \u201cstrengthening our position as a regional leader in performing arts education.\u201d<\/p>\n Eastern Mennonite School has a music emphasis dating back to its founding 100 years ago. Choral music was emphasized from the beginning, with instrumental music added in later years. Currently, more than 50 percent of middle and high school students play an instrument at school.<\/p>\n
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