Musical Community Service:
Nurturing the Human Spirit through Music
Dr. Suzuki believed that the most
important thing that we do by teaching music to young children is to
develop a beautiful human spirit with in them. To play music that
really communicates with others, one must develop their sensitivity and
the ability for empathy with others. Music is a gift that can
be used to make the world a better place.
-
Art exists
for the human species. I think that all of the people who
love art, those who teach art, and all of you, should burn with the
obligation to save the world. It is necessary to be
concerned about the importance of education a really beautiful human
spirit.
-
Teaching
intonation, and teaching technique will never be more than a method.
We are burning with a deeper mission that we must do something for the
future.
-
Music exists
for the purpose of growing an admirable heart.
At TEC we want our students to develop their skills for
musical leadership. We encourage them to take advantage of
opportunities to share their musical abilities in their community.
They are encouraged to participate in their local school music programs.
They can participate in Prelude Strings and other similar organizations
available to them in our community. They have played in nursing
homes and played to help with the fundraising for our local children's
hospitals. We are proud when they seek out opportunities to
volunteer and serve others in our community. These activities
will be featured on the pages of the
TEC Blog.
Leading by Example
In 1992 when Ms. Cynthia was
returning from her studies with Dr. Suzuki the streets of South Central
were in flames with civil unrest. She was filled with a desire
to find a project through which she could make a difference in Orange
County. She has volunteered by teaching music in preschools
for children at risk and doing Kindermusik with Alternative Education
students and their babies but her first inspiration was to start a Suzuki
Violin program for at risk families in OC.
After 15 years of searching she
approached Dr. Ana Jimenez the Executive director and founder of the
Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center in Santa Ana.
Since 2006 she has been working with Dr. Ana to develop the Santa Ana
Suzuki Strings.
She spends one night a week teaching Suzuki Violin classes in the after
school arts program in addition to holding joint group lessons for both of
her programs at OCCTAC.
By becoming a member of this studio
you make it possible for Ms. Cynthia to make a contribution to the OCCTAC
community. As parents, you also have the opportunity to help her
demonstrate that all children can benefit from the Suzuki Method.
By participating in group lessons the children teach us that music has the
power to create a new world by learning from one another.
Members of the TEC community are
encouraged to volunteer for and contribute to the SASS program.
There is a need for adequate instruments and Suzuki Materials as well as
mentorship. Several of our youth have already begun
volunteering by helping Ms. Cynthia with her classes.
You can learn more about the OCCTAC
community at www.occtac.org
You can learn more about the Santa Ana Suzuki Strings at:
http://sasuzukistrings.wordpress.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sasuzukistrings/
