What do Solomon, Daijah, and Ronda have in common? They were part of the Rainbow Suzuki Strings group from East Cleveland, OH, who were featured at our conference in 2006.
This past week, Solomon wrote that his trip had been important to him because he learned new things. Daijah said she felt more mature and experienced after the trip, and she will take these experiences with her throughout her life. Ronda said she now has more experience as a violinist from playing in front of our audience, and this experience calmed her nerves.
The Rainbow Strings as a whole wrote this when they heard that a Latin American Suzuki group would be coming to the 2008 conference:
“We think the Latin American children should have a chance to go to Minneapolis like we did. We think this because they will be able to learn new things, be able to play other than in their hometown and see and explore new things. They would also be able to interact with people who have different cultures and know different languages.”
Not only do these children in Cleveland want to see the Latin American students come to Minneapolis, but they are practicing at 1¢ per minute and are raising money for students from Latin American to come to Minneapolis.
Thirty-three students from Latin America are coming to Minneapolis in May and they need all of our help. Please help them to experience what Rainbow Strings experienced at our conference and be inspired by the Rainbow Strings kids who are practicing to help the Suzuki students from Latin America have similar experiences.
It costs over $1,000 for most students to come from Latin America. The 33 students will represent Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico. Their ensemble includes violin, cello, piano, recorder and guitar. Along with them will be 14 teachers and numerous parents and chaperones. It will be a wonderful opportunity for the SAA to “expand the vision.”
You can help to sponsor an individual student or support the group as a whole. I have sent in my donation because of the inspiration of Rainbow Strings. Will you join me by sending in a check to the SAA or donating airline miles to the SAA for this purpose?
Feel free to forward this to friends or family who may wish to join you in this unique project.
Just like Daijah, these students will have an experience that they will take with them throughout their lives.
Diane Schroeder, SAA Board Chair
