Sanfordville fourth graders "meet" their instruments

Last week Sanfordville Elementary School fourth graders met their instruments for the first time with Mrs. Blaikner, their orchestra director.  The students chose their instruments last spring as third graders, and this group picked the violin. 

"The excitement of the first lesson, the moment they meet their instrument and then learning they can take their instrument home is one of the best days in the music rooms," Mrs. Blaikner said.

Before the cases are opened and the students are allowed to see the violins, they learn about the proper care of their instrument.  The number one rule "treat your instrument how you would like to be treated".  The students are also shown how to store their instruments and open their cases.

After going over the rules, there is a "three, two, one" countdown, and the students open their cases to see their instrument for the first time.

"The moment they open their case is like the moment they open up their life to a brand new world - music," Mrs. Blaikner said. "In that world they can be as creative as they want to be, they learn responsibility, they become problem solvers, they learn to collaborate with others in rehearsal, they learn how to reach goals - all while having fun!  They think they are simply learning how to make music through an instrument, but they are learning so much more!"

Taking that first step to open the case is the first step in their musical journey.  Who knows where that journey will take them in the future?