Have you ever received an email that didn’t just brighten your day, but actually warmed your entire soul? I had one of those moments recently, and I simply couldn’t wait to share it with you. It’s a story about a violin, a legacy, and the incredible power of a community that looks out for one another.
We often talk about music in terms of notes, scales, and practice schedules. But at its heart, music is a vibrant bridge that connects us, regardless of where we come from or what language we speak. This week, a dear friend of mine named Sarah A. reminded me just how far a single act of kindness can ripple through a community.
A Connection Beyond the Music Stand
Sarah and I go back quite a way. We sing together in the choir at my synagogue, and if you know Sarah, you know she is someone who leads with her heart. She has always been deeply active in helping others, particularly when it comes to welcoming refugee families into our local area.
Back during the height of COVID: remember those days of grainy Zoom rehearsals and trying to make music through a computer screen?: Sarah A. did something truly extraordinary. I had a student in my orchestra, a young girl named Teresa who had recently arrived in our community. She was from Africa, and while her English was still a work in progress, she also spoke Swahili. She even taught me a few Swahili words, and I later got to use them with a cab driver! Her desire to play the viola was soulful and undeniable.
The challenge? Instruments are expensive. Rentals add up. For a family trying to navigate a brand-new country and culture, the cost of a viola can be a barrier that keeps a child from participating in a “normal” American school experience.
When I mentioned this need, Sarah A. didn’t hesitate. She stepped up and paid for a full year of Teresa’s viola rental. She wanted to make sure this young girl had the same opportunities as every other child in the orchestra. Because here’s the thing: when a child sits in a chair in my orchestra room, they aren’t a “refugee” or a “newcomer.” They are a musician. They are a vital part of the harmony.
The Gift of Juliet’s Violin
Fast forward to this week. Sarah A. reached out to me with a bittersweet request. Her sister, Juliet, had passed away, leaving behind a beautiful violin. Sarah A. knew she wanted this instrument to go somewhere it would be cherished: somewhere it could continue to make music and change lives.
She remembered the generosity of the music store that had helped us with Teresa’s rental years ago, but she couldn’t quite recall the name. I was so happy to remind her: Cassandra Strings in Evanston.
Cassandra Strings has been a cornerstone of my teaching career for years. They are more than just a shop; they are partners in music education. When Sarah A. told me she was donating Juliet’s violin to them, specifically for their scholarship program, I was moved to tears.
Think about that for a second. An instrument that belonged to a beloved sister is now being refurbished and prepared to be placed in the hands of a student who might otherwise never have the chance to play. That violin isn’t just wood and strings anymore; it’s a legacy of love.
Why “Normalcy” Matters So Much
You might wonder why we place such a high value on something like an orchestra class for children who are new to our country. Isn’t food and housing more important? Of course, the basics come first. But once a family is safe, the next step is belonging.
When we sponsor families and welcome new neighbors, our goal is to give children a sense of “normalcy.” We want them to have the same experiences as any other American child. Why? Because music helps them integrate and thrive.
- It’s a Universal Language: You don’t need perfect English to understand a crescendo or a staccato marking.
- It Builds Immediate Community: Being part of a section (like the second violins!) gives a child an instant group of peers.
- It Nurtures Mental Well-being: Learning an instrument provides a healthy outlet for the complex emotions that come with moving across the world.
- It Boosts Confidence: Mastering a difficult piece of music proves to a child that they can tackle hard things in their new life, too.
Treating Everyone as Human Beings
In a world that can often feel divided, this story is a beautiful reminder of what happens when we simply treat people with respect and dignity. This isn’t about politics; it’s about humanity. It’s about seeing a child who wants to learn and saying, “Let’s make that happen for you.”
When organizations like churches, synagogues, and local community groups come together to support refugees, they aren’t just providing services. They are opening doors. Sarah A.’s generosity: first with Teresa’s rental and now with Juliet’s violin: is a testament to the power of seeing the person behind the “status.”
By giving these children the opportunity to fit in with their classes and participate in the arts, we are telling them: “You belong here. You are one of us.”
The Magic of Local Support: Cassandra Strings
I also want to give a huge shout-out to the team at Cassandra Strings. Supporting local businesses that give back is so important. Throughout my career as a teacher and performer, they have been there to ensure my students have quality instruments.
Knowing that Juliet’s violin is in their expert hands: where it will be carefully repaired and tuned before being gifted to a scholarship student: gives me so much peace. They understand that every instrument has a story, and they are helping this one start a wonderful new chapter.
If you are looking for local music resources or perhaps thinking about starting your own musical journey, I always recommend looking for shops that have this kind of heart.
Using Music to Bridge the Gaps
As I reflect on Sarah A.’s email, I’m reminded of why I do what I do. Whether I’m teaching a young student their first scale or performing for an elegant event, I see the way music softens the edges of the world. It creates a mystical connection between the performer and the listener, and between the students playing side-by-side.
Learning an instrument like the violin or piano isn’t just about the music: it’s about the life skills that come with it.
- Patience: Because that first “Twinkle Twinkle” takes time!
- Dedication: Showing up for the group even when you’d rather be playing outside.
- Empathy: Learning to listen to others so the whole group sounds beautiful.
These are the things that help a child: regardless of their background: grow into a confident, compassionate adult.
Do You Have an “Instrument in the Attic”?
Sarah A.’s story might make you wonder: Is there something I can do?
Many of us have an old violin, flute, or guitar tucked away in a closet or attic. Maybe it was yours as a child, or maybe it belonged to a relative. If it’s just gathering dust, consider the impact it could have if it were put back into service.
Donating an instrument to a local school or a reputable shop with a scholarship program (like Cassandra Strings!) is a phenomenal way to give back. You aren’t just donating an object; you are donating opportunity. You are giving a child a voice.
Final Thoughts: A Symphony of Kindness
I want to thank Sarah A. again for her incredible heart and for allowing me to share this story. Juliet’s memory will live on through the music of a student she never met, and that is a hauntingly beautiful thought.
In our community, let’s continue to look for ways to make everyone feel at home. Let’s use our passions: whether it’s music, art, sports, or just a friendly “hello”: to bridge the gaps and build a society where every child feels they have a place.
Music has a way of finding the light in the darkest corners. Let’s keep playing, keep giving, and keep making sure the harmony includes everyone.
Are you ready to start your own musical journey or help a student find theirs?
If you’re feeling inspired, why not take a look at some of my resources for getting started? Whether you’re an adult looking to finally learn those piano chords or a parent seeking the right path for your child, I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Let’s make some music together! 🎹🎻✨