To the editor:

Thank you Ms. Robbins for your kind words about the violin program at Beechwood Elementary School. The success of that program was due to the wonderful children and parents with whom I was privileged to work.

The program came about as the result of a conversation with Ms. Peggy Gouras who took the idea to the Superintendent of the district, Dr. James Price. The principal of Beechwood, Mr. Jack Grogan, loved the idea and got us started. Ms. Zelmarine Murphy on the school board backed us, and we were off and running. Businesses and individuals contributed money to buy violins for children who could not afford them, and students at Hinds worked to raise money as well. We were truly blessed by all the support we were given.

Many of these children became members of the Mississippi Youth Symphony. They did spectacularly well, becoming the largest group of violins in the orchestra. We had the Concertmaster or Concertmistress in each of the three levels of the Symphony at one time or another. I cannot begin to tell you how proud I was of all of them.

We were also able to expand the program to the junior and senior high schools. Ms. Ruthanne Schnell was hired to help me and took over when I retired. Unfortunately, Dr. Price and Mr. Grogan retired the year before me and the program was discontinued a year after I left. I hope and pray that the program did enough to show the district what is possible. The instruments are already there, bought and paid for, and the desire is there among parents,students, and the community. The “Mozart Effect” has shown the great positive influence strings and classical music have on children’s learning in other academic areas. Schools all over the country have string programs and there is no reason our children should be denied this opportunity. Maybe some day, Lord willing.

Gerald Rankin

Vicksburg