Friday, August 20, 2010

JAMM's First Donated Violin

How fitting for JAMM's very first violin donation to come from one of Juneau's youth!

Kyle Kahklen, a recent graduate of Juneau Douglas High School, heard about El Sistema after watching the documentary film about this Venezuelan phenomenon.  He said he knew immediately that's where he wanted to send his violin.  Kyle was thrilled to learn that an El Sistema-inspired program was beginning in his hometown at Glacier Valley Elementary School and dropped by the school during our teacher inservice to present his violin.  The entire staff cheered and applauded!

Peer-mentoring and leadership are celebrated components of every El Sistema ensemble and classroom throughout Venezuela.   Kyle's gesture reaffirms for me this core belief:  Trust Our Youth.  Thank you, Kyle for this wonderful gift!

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