Cellos Aplenty Thanks to OrchSupport!
(Ferndale Schools Newsletter, Jan. 30, 2013)
The purchase of these six 1/2 size cellos marks the first time that all cello students, from 4th grade – 12th grade will have school instruments to use!
According to Ben Moy, Director of Ferndale Schools Orchestras, one of the biggest issues that has plagued the elementary orchestra program has been the necessity for all 4th-6th grade cello students to transport their instruments to and from school on a daily basis.
Enough cellos would have to be bought to have at each elementary school so that kids could use a school instrument at school, while using their own instrument for home practice and for concerts.
A cello costs around $500-$600, and 12-16 cellos were needed. According to Moy, “Phase One of a project began last year, when some of the smaller district cellos and four used ones were refurbished (thanks to OrchSupport). This allowed us to have enough cellos at each school so that the 5th and 6th grade classes had enough cellos to use in school.”
OrchSupport continued to raise money with cellos for the elementary schools being a priority.
In 4th grade this year there are 12 cello players at Kennedy and Coolidge . Fifth grade has 10 cello players at Kennedy and Coolidge. Sixth grade has seven cello players at Kennedy and Coolidge.
Find OrchSupport on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ferndale-Schools-OrchSupport/297226286989071.
Read our previous story about OrchSupport mentoring program at https://oaklandcounty115.com/2010/11/16/ferndale-orchestra-mentorship-program/.