Fairview Elementary School String Project
In 2008, the Monroe County Community School Corporation and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music implemented the Fairview Elementary School String Project. In its early years, the Project provided violin instruction and performance opportunities to all Fairview Elementary first-graders and served as their primary music curriculum.
Headed by Brenda Brenner, an Associate Professor of Music Education at the Jacobs School, it has since grown to offer lessons to students in older grades. Since string instrument instruction in the Monroe County Community School Corporation begins in the 5th grade, expansion of the program through 4th grade ensured music education for students with continuity.
This Project presents a rich opportunity to bring music instruction and performance opportunities to students younger than those usually afforded such opportunities and demonstrates the enduring value of music at the outset of a student's education. In addition to providing music education to young children, this Project allows research to be done on the effects of the music instruction on cognitive development, attendance and attitudes of the participants, students, and parents. Students at the Jacobs School are also afforded the opportunity to participate in the Project to harness their skills in becoming leaders in music education.
The Fairview Elementary School String Project Fund is used to support a Doctorate of Music Education student who will assist in classroom instruction, student stipends for teachers and helpers, and general costs of the Project.