Among my many other identifiers, I consider myself a musician. Specifically, I am a violist. I have been playing the viola for several years now and I have been playing ensembles for an equal amount of time. Playing the viola and performing with an ensemble is as a part of me as anything. Which is why it makes me so sad when I see string programs failing and stalling all over the nation. But make no mistake, string programs are important. And here’s why,
- Orchestral music is an important part of musical history. If you weren’t aware, I wrote an article few weeks ago about why everyone should give classical music a chance. I would like to rehash an argument from that article and remind my readers that classical music, while ancient, is rich in history. There are still composers of classical music today. People are still dedicating their lives to the complex and magical art of creating musical adventures.
- It creates jobs. Supporting string programs supports several sectors of the economy. Luthiers (those who make violins, violas, cellos, and basses), instrument repairpersons, orchestral conductors, string teachers, professional orchestras, teachers, program coordinators and the students themselves.
- It’s good for your brain. Varying scientific research stipulates that playing a musical instrument, especially a physically complex one such as the viola, expands brain function. That is to say, playing an instrument and reading music improves cognitive function, it increases problem solving skills, and enhances memory. String playing, in particular helps develop a very healthy and impressionable muscle memory.
- String players have a wider range of career prospects than other performers. Now, you can usually find anyone who wants a trombone playing at their wedding. But by far, the most popular live music ensemble at a wedding is the age old string quartet. It’s a wedding fantasy; an absolute necessity for the classic wedding.
- Youth orchestras are good for kids. These organizations can include children as young as four years old and can begin to instill values like timeliness, teamwork, precision, and a certain kind of sense of decorum that you really can’t get anywhere else, in my opinion.
Don’t get me wrong; I believe that all types of musical organization have their benefits. What’s more is that it seems as though so many music programs are getting cut from everywhere, schools and communities alike. However, when I look around my own beloved state, I hear so often the shocking phrase, “My school only had band and choir, but no orchestra.” Which hardly makes sense to me because there are so many more professional opportunities out there for string players than there are for wind and brass players. Do I want to see an expanding professional wind symphony culture? Yes. But I also want to see a growing and stable symphony orchestra culture as well as a healthier vocalist culture. Don’t let our programs die.
