It has recently come to our attention that the recommendation was made to eliminate the third grade strings program in Wissahickon School District. We are requesting that the school board and administration do not move forward with this recommendation because of the reasons below:

1) Children are excited to learn an instrument in third grade!  Many of them have older siblings or friends who play instruments and they can't wait to join them.  They want to learn a new skill and they want to perform for their friends and loved ones at concerts. Performing at concerts can also help build students confidence and helps them learn to work within a team.   

2) Eliminating the third grade strings program would have a negative impact on the future Wissahickon School District music program as a whole. Not only would children be delayed one year in learning and interest, they might choose other activities outside of music and never decide to learn an instrument. This could drastically reduce participation within the Wissahickon School District music program in the coming years.

3) Many students opt to play two different instruments: one band and one strings. Learning two instruments at the same time is very difficult. When children start learning a strings instrument earlier, they are better prepared for playing a band instrument because they have already had some musical training and begun working on their hand-eye coordination.  This makes learning the second instrument much easier.  Fourth graders also have the opportunity to join chorus for the first time.  If they already have a year of strings and then decide to join band and chorus it feels like much less of a burden than it would if they were starting all three at the same time. 

4) Strings students need a lot of time to learn how to hold their instruments and bow. Because of this, they do not start learning how to read music for several months, sometimes even the entire year. Band students can start reading music almost immediately because of the physical makeup of the instruments which require players to press valves or cover holes. Strings instruments have a smooth finger board with no frets which makes it much harder for players to find their pitch and establish playing routines.  

In conclusion the third grade strings program helps students develop a strong work ethic and builds confidence as well as giving them more opportunities to work as a team.  Eliminating the program would have a negative impact on Wissahickon School District and the students.