2025-26 Program Highlights
It has been a banner year for our pilot program! Our young violinists are learning teamwork, discipline, and creative expression through music. Every week, they grow more confident, not only as players but as individuals discovering their voices through the violin.
The Benzie Youth String Program launched the program with a presentation and concert given by young violinists at the Crystal Downs Country Club in July, attended Benzie County elementary school open houses in August, and then hosted a live performance at the Garden Theater in September, featuring our violin instructors and one of our board members—a joyful event that filled the room with music and excitement. Afterward, each child who had registered for the program was carefully fitted for the correct sized violin. The smiles in that moment said everything about why this program matters.
Please follow us on facebook and instagram for more program highlight, educational moments, and announcements as we continue forward, together, in music!
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
