JAVS Summer 2018

ere are some considerations to keep in mind when organizing a Practice-a- on. First, it is best to choose a non-pro t that has 501c3 status and a clear and appealing website. is way donors are more likely to commit larger amounts to the student, and checks can be written directly to the non-pro t, eliminating the potential for any mishandling of money. Students in the Illinois State University String Project, a program with 130 3 rd -8 th grade string players, have been participating in Practice-a- ons for many years. e students enjoy learning about the non-pro t they are helping to support, and often are part of the decision-making process when choosing a bene ciary. e ISU String Project typically rotates charities between local non-pro ts which serve children in our community and programs such as BLUME Haiti or Daraja Strings which provide musical instruction to children in Haiti and Tanzania respectively. It’s also possible that students in El Sistema programs or other non-pro t low-cost music programs could fundraise for supplies or guest artists for their own program. Studios with fewer students can still make a large impact with a Practice-a- on. Rhona Reagen, a Chicago-area based viola and violin teacher has been doing Practice-a- ons with her students for many years. She o ers prizes for the students who practice the most and raise the most money. She also has partnered with other studio teachers and o ered a grand prize for the program with the largest

donation. Reagen cautions that students from families with limited means may have di culty asking others to contribute to this sort of fund raiser. For large programs such as the ISU String Project which serves children of various socio-economic backgrounds, participation is voluntary and generally only a fraction of students participate. Public recognition at the Spring Concert is limited to the student with the largest number of practice minutes and the student who was the top fund raiser. When a charity that provides low cost or free string instruction to children is the chosen bene ciary, a Practice-a- on can have an even larger impact if you partner with a local music shop. Many shops may be willing to donate decommissioned rental instruments that still play well but may be a little worn out aesthetically. Students can also be encouraged to donate lightly used books, supplies, and strings. With minimal e ort, organizing a Practice-a- on can have a major impact both for the students involved and the non-pro t organization.

Dr. Katherine Lewis is Associate Professor of Viola at Illinois State University and Master Teacher for the ISU String Project.

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 34, 2018 Online Issue

41