Arline Hunter Memorial Scholarship

The SAA Arline Hunter Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 in memory of a remarkable woman, Arline Farnum Hunter. The fund provides scholarship assistance for violinists who want to pursue short-term or long-term teacher training in the Suzuki Method.

Arline’s Biography

Prepared by Jacqueline Hunter Maurer

Born into a musical family in 1916, Arline Farnum Hunter’s life of 80 years, 8 months and 8 days was packed full of enthusiasm and passion for music. She was a fourth generation musician, and had a “Suzuki-like” environment in her early years: daily sounds of music, and many opportunities to perform. Her mother played piano for the silent movies, and her father, a trombonist, managed a band in which Glenn Miller also played trombone. Arline’s brother played the baritone, and the family band performed for dances all over town. Besides playing the violin, Arline used her piano skills to accompany tap dance classes.

Arline began teaching as a teenager. “I used to jump on my bike with my violin, and peddle to the student’s home to teach a lesson for 50 cents.” Teaching was in her blood, and over the years she was determined to share her love of music with as many people as possible!

Arline graduated from Colorado State College, now University of Northern Colorado, and her first job was to teach vocal music in Pierce, CO. She then became an instrumental music instructor in the Brighton Rural Schools, and continued her musical influence in the city of Brighton for many years. She substitute taught in the public schools, gave tap dancing lessons, taught private violin and piano lessons, directed the Presbyterian Junior Choir for 6 years, and sang in the adult church choir. Arline also reached out to the community as a “Welcome Newcomer Hostess” for 20 years. She had boundless energy!

Arline performed in many ensembles including Greeley Philharmonic, the Brico Symphony, the Denver Chamber Orchestra, the Amateur Chamber Music Players, and the Chanterelle Trio. She created and performed in several other groups as well: Symphonettes, Camarata, Brighton Orchestra, Singing Strings and String Colors.

Arline served on the Brighton Cultural Arts Committee, and helped found “Fine Arts at Four,” a concert series featuring local and guest artists.

Arline had an outgoing personality and really enjoyed working with other people. She was honored by many of the organizations of which she was a member: Euterpean Club, Steinway Club, the Denver Musicians Society, Delta Omicron International Fraternity, AAUW and PEO. As a lifetime member of Colorado State Music Teachers’ Association, she served as an adjudicator and String Chairman for three years.

Arline’s Suzuki Journey

In her later years, she embarked on the Suzuki journey with her daughter, Jacqueline Maurer, her son-in-law, James Maurer, and her granddaughter, Joanna Maurer. It was a joy for Arline to participate in Suzuki teacher training classes and continue learning more about teaching the violin in a positive and effective way. She had two performing Suzuki groups (Pastels, and Primary Colors) that delighted folks in nursing homes, and entertained various community organizations.

Quotes About Arline

Allison Sherman, Suzuki teacher in Ft. Collins, CO:

“When we moved to Brighton in 1949, I was starting high school. To my delight, there was a violin teacher of good reputation in town, Mrs. Arline Hunter. I had started violin in a public school class, so Arline was to be my first real teacher, and I eagerly began lessons. That was the beginning of a 40-year friendship in music.

“Arline was a demanding teacher of great integrity. She taught not only how to play the violin, but also commitment to a difficult discipline. She encouraged a serious approach to playing. I now smile when I see my own students playing intently –Arline’s legacy.

“Through my high school years, Arline tirelessly accompanied me, drove me to festivals and concerts and supported all my efforts. She was always fun too! She took me with her to the Denver Symphony Orchestra, or to recitals of violinists. We heard Heifetz, Francescatti, Rabin, Silverstein, Elman, Stern and other fine artists.

“In 1970, Arline once more played a significant roll in my life – she took me to hear a group of Suzuki violin students. I was immediately hooked, and have since found my place in music as a Suzuki violin teacher. I would consider it the greatest tribute possible if my students would someday feel about me the way I feel about Arline. Thank you Arline!”

Euterpean Music Club, honoring Arline in 1995:

“The students in Arline’s Suzuki performing group, ‘The Pastels,’ have experienced the love and friendship Arline offers for relaxing activities, as well as the discipline and structure needed for excellent performances. Arline Hunter, a genius among the gifted, continues to bless the Brighton area with her expertise.”

Trudy Hunter, granddaughter:

“When I think of you, Grandma, I think of love, family, happiness, caring, pride, and honesty.”

Muriel Bennett, former student:

“It is the extra time and effort Mrs. Hunter gives the youngsters that brings success.”

Arline’s Legacy

Over her lifetime, Arline was very gratified and rewarded to see the effects of her musical endeavors on her students, friends, and family.

Arline’s daughter, Jacqueline Maurer, has been very active as a performer and teacher. She was concertmaster of the Denver Chamber Orchestra and the Brico Symphony and has been very active as a chamber music performer. As an SAA Teacher Trainer she taught at numerous institutes and workshops throughout the United States. She has written many books, which are used as teaching aids and is co-author, with her husband, of the STRING Book, a Suzuki teaching guide. She was co-editor, with her husband, of the “Violin Column” in the American Suzuki Journal. Currently, she maintains a small Suzuki violin studio in her home.

Arline’s son-in-law, James Maurer, is a retired violin professor from the University of Denver, where he taught for 38 years. He was instrumental in founding the Denver Suzuki Institute, Rocky Mountain Chamber Music Camp, Colorado Talent Development, Denver Talent Education, and the Suzuki Association of Colorado. He served as Treasurer and Board Chair of the SAA, and Secretary of the ISA. As an SAA Teacher Trainer, he also taught at many institutes and workshops throughout the U.S. and founded the Suzuki Certificate Program at the University of Denver. Currently, James maintains a studio of advanced violin students in his home. He also manages James Maurer Publications.

Arline’s granddaughter, Joanna Maurer, a concert violinist, tours throughout the U.S. with the American Chamber Players, Concertante, and other professional groups. She is an Associate Member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and does studio work for movie soundtracks and popular recording artists in New York City. She lives in New York City with her husband, Demian Austin, principal trombone of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and her 2 young children. She teaches her 5-year-old Suzuki violin.