Third grade students learn to play violins
Ashley Richardson
Daily Egyptian
arichardson@dailyegyptian.com
Anyone wanting to make a donation to the John Thomas String project may contact the SIUC School of Music or the Egyptian Suzuki School.
Every Monday and Friday the sounds of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" can be heard from the stage of Thomas School. A class of third graders learning to play the violin for the first time is the culprit behind the melodic tunes ˘ they are the John Thomas String Project. 
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According to Paula Allison, who teaches and directs the group of children, the project, which is the first of its kind, is meant to provide students with opportunities they may not otherwise have, especially the chance to play a musical instrument.
With the help of four undergraduate music students, Allison has been going to Thomas School twice a week since late February.
Although the 45-minute sessions are just enough to hold the children's attention before they scramble outside for recess, they have proved to be productive as the group prepares for their upcoming concert performance with the Cavani String Quartet.
Karen DeVantier, who teaches the class of third graders, said she is thankful for the opportunity the project has provided for her students, as it is not one the school has been able to make available.
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"Arts are always being cut," she said. "One of the things that's been so wonderful is that they normally would not have any exposure to any kind of instrument in the third grade. The more we can get these programs in the schools, the better off we are."
Allison said while financial assistance from community organizations helped make the project a reality, further assistance would help expand the program, making it available to more students.
"Our community has responded unbelievably here," she said. "This is a wonderful example of people working together, having a common vision, a common goal and having children benefit.
"Funding is what makes this type of program possible. We would like to be able to involve as many children as possible."
Allison, who has been playing the violin since the age of 12 and teaching music for more than 20 years, said the project is also a way to help children discover hidden talents and express themselves with positive energy.
"There are some children who may not be able to read or write, or add and subtract; but they can play the violin," she said.
"Music has the power to change lives. Music is a way of expressing strong feelings: anger, frustration, joy and pain. You can be angry and express it in music and it's socially acceptable."
The concert, sponsored by the Chamber of Music, will take place Sunday, May 2 at 3 p.m. in the Dunn Richmond Center.
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Daily Egyptian Spring 04 
