2025-26 Program Highlights
It has been a banner year for our new program! Our young violinists are developing skills they never thought possible, along with the discipline and necessary creative expression required to play the violin. Every week, they grow more confident, not only as players but as individuals discovering their voices through the violin. Soon they will be performing for the pleasure of others as well as themselves.
The Benzie Youth String Program launched the program in July with a presentation and concert given by young violinists at the Crystal Downs Country Club. Our instructors and Board Members then attended all of the Benzie County Elementary School open houses in August to further describe the program and register students.
A violin performance featuring two of our instructors and a Board member was given at the Garden Theater in September to a crowd of children, parents, and other interested people. This was a most joyful event, filling the theater with music and excitement. Afterward, each child who had registered for the program was carefully fitted for the correctly sized violin. The smiles in that moment said everything about why this program matters.
Lessons for the 24 children now registered in the program have been proceeding this Fall, and progress is definitely being made in their violin skills.
Please follow us on facebook and instagram for more program highlight, educational moments, and announcements as we continue forward, together, in music!
President of BYSP, Rob Jones MD, presented at Crystal Downs Country Club in July , accompanied by an afternoon violin concert performed by a 6 and an 8 year old.
In August the Benzie Youth String Program instructors and Board members attended open houses at all Benzie County elementary schools.
Carrie Rains, of Rains’ Grains and Sweets, generously donated incredibly decorated cookies for the open houses for children to enjoy!
In September The Garden Theater hosted The Joy of the Violin concert, which featured two of our instructors and one board member, sharing with students and others the magic the violin can create.
The Garden Theater provided future BYSP students with popcorn and juice as they watched the professionals perform an array of inspiring music.
After the concert, students met with BYSP instructors to be sized for their violins.
Delivery of violins of various sizes arrived in October, procured from the Guarneri House in Hudsonville, MI.
Instructor Bryce Ropp with student. All instructors start lessons by creating a foundation of proper technique.
Instructor Kaylee Erlewein with student.
When asked why they wanted to play the violin, our students said:
“I like how music is like talking, only it uses sounds instead of words.”
—Ayden
“I like listening to music and how the bridge on the violin looks like a gorilla and the frog is like an alligator.” —Harvey
“I like the melodies and my goal is to learn how to play an instrument with strings and to also one day play an electric guitar.”
—Clover
“I don’t know. It sounds fun.”
—Cameron
“Lily expressed interest last year after hearing her music teacher play. She was very excited for the opportunity to learn!”
—Lily Anna’s parent
“I am a curious person and I want to learn stringed instruments. I think it will help me play other instruments and I think I will love it and I think my parents are very kind to let me do it. I love them for it.”
—Wyeth
“Walter loves music. He always whistling, humming, singing, or plunking around on the piano. He was originally more interested in guitar but expressed interest in this program.”
—Walter’s parent
“I would like him to be exposed to music and the arts.”
—Rafi’s parent
“The violin is beautiful.”
—Claire
“Reese has been asking for violin lessons for years! Very excited about this program.”
—Reese’s parent
“I want my son to have an experience learning a new instrument, and I was thinking this is a wonderful program.”
—Brixton
“I tried playing the violin at meet the teacher event and thought it was fun to play.”
—Rebecca
“I tried playing the violin at meet the teacher event and I liked it.”
—Margaret
"Vesper has wanted to play the violin/viola for about 3 years. We had her start with the ukulele.”
—Vesper’s parent
“Because it sounds beautiful.”
—Ellis
"“I have always wanted to play a violin.”
—Coraline
“Reed has an ear and love of music and seems drawn to string instruments.”
—Reed’s parent
“I love music and would love to learn more. I would love to learn how to play an instrument. I believe this program could help me build new skills and create beautiful music.”
—Levi
“I want to join strings because it would be a great way to express myself and my love for music. I really want to learn how to play an instrument.”
—Elijah
“Achille wants a hobby he can do all the time at home.”
—Achille’s parent
“Olivia enjoys music, and I used to play the violin so she is used to it.”
—Olivia’s parent
“I love music and I want to learn to play for real.”
—Emma
“I’m excited to learn more about the violin. I really like how it sounds.”
—Ryker
