UK String Project Helps Kids Shine

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 12, 2011) − The nationally distinguished University of Kentucky String Project celebrates its 11th year of operation beginning this fall. The program known for providing children in the Bluegrass region with low-cost instrument instruction courses on violin, viola, cello and bass is currently taking students. Children age 8 or older are invited to enroll for fall classes beginning Saturday, Sept. 17. 

UK String Project classes are held Saturdays through the school year at the UK Fine Arts Building on Rose Street and culminate in the UK String Project Fall and Spring Concerts. Beginner classes are offered 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and cost $110 per semester or $200 for a full year; no experience necessary. Intermediate and advanced courses are offered from 10 a.m. to noon and cost $135 per semester or $250 for a full year. Intermediate levels require one to two years of prior experience and advanced level courses require two or more years of experience.

UK String Project offers instruction at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels in both the fall and spring semesters. Some scholarships are available, especially for children on free and reduced lunch programs. To download the UK String Project enrollment form, visit the program online at www.uky.edu/FineArts/Music/uksp.

Teachers for the UK String Project are UK music students under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers, including Nancy Campbell, faculty member at Fayette County Public Schools' School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA). The project is directed by Daniel Mason, UK associate professor of violin, Lexington Philharmonic concertmaster, and member of the National String Project Consortium. Mason also serves the national program as a member of its executive board.

The influence of UK String Project's music instruction not only pays off during the Semester Concert, it also resonates at home and in the classroom. A survey conducted by the American String Teachers Association found the UK String Project had earned a number of positive accolades from its participants and their families. The survey findings noted:   

• 100 percent of parents of UK String Project children would highly recommend the program to other parents;
• 45 percent of parents said their child watched less TV after beginning UK String Project; and
• UK String Project children receive “A’s” in 85 percent of their other class subjects.

The UK String Project is presented through the award-winning UK School of Music at the UK College of Fine Arts.

Enrollment for UK String Project is limited and is on a first come-first served basis. To reserve a spot in the program, ask about scholarships, or to get more information, contact the UK String Project at (859) 257-9683 or e-mail ukstringproject@gmail.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, (859) 257-8716 or whitney.hale@uky.edu