There’s nothing I’m more thankful for than the fact that there was a great strings program in my elementary school, and that my mother and Mrs. Sias, the strings teacher, conspired to get eleven-year-old me to “try” the cello. (“Try it! You’ll like it!” I did.)
The wonderful life I’ve had in music, and any difference I’ve made with music, is because of that strings program.
Now the DePauw University School of Music, where I teach, has started the Putnam County Youth String Program. This year, every fourth grader in Greencastle is getting a free violin and class instruction. It’s all being made possible by private donations, and we hope to expand well beyond the fourth grade and Greencastle in years to come.
Look at the infectious joy of these children:
I’m very happy to be able to “pay it forward” by being a financial supporter of this program, giving these children the opportunity to experience the difference that only music makes.
You can get in on the fun, too! Contact me (eedberg@depauw.edu) or Mark Rabideau, the director of DePauw’s 21st Century Musician Initiative at markrabideau@depauw.edu or 765-301-9274.
And if you’re an Indiana resident, the state will give you half your money back through a tax credit! The Greencastle Civic League has worked with the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to make available special tax incentives. Mark or I can get you the appropriate paperwork.
Once again, you can contact me (eedberg@depauw.edu) or Mark Rabideau, the director of DePauw’s 21st Century Musician Initiative at markrabideau@depauw.edu or 765-301-9274.
Eric Edberg 