Assessments

Classroom teachers were asked about benefits of lessons to students including attitude, behavior, and academic performance. 

• Were they participating in class and learning the material?
• Did they have a good classroom attitude?
• Should the program continue?

• Students learned to hold correctly and produce a good sound on violin or cello.
• Students learned to play together in unison.
• Students helped one another, shared instruments, and offered encouragement.
• From the beginning of instruction in November, 2022, when students held an instrument for the first time, to the end of the school year in June, students learned to play in tune and in rhythm. They learned five songs. Most participated in performances for parents, peers, teachers, community members, and administrators.

• Kid #1 “I like violins ‘cause the teachers are nice.”
• Kid #2 “I like violins because of the music.”
• #3 “I like the violins because the music is beautiful.”
• #4 “I like the music because it’s good.”
• #5 “I like violins because when you play the strings they’re loud.”
• #6 “I like violins because it’s my favorite.”
• #7 “I like violins because using the bow is really fun.”
• #8 “I like the music ‘cause it’s good.”
• 6th grade teacher Mr. Barclay “The kids have loved it, cause, you know, I listen to kids and when they talk about something that’s when you know it’s a good thing.” He sees a plus with attitude. Behavior and academic performance neutral. Would he like to see it continue?“ Music makes a whole different perspective as far as thinking-music is up here” (he gestures upwards)
• 6th Grade teacher Raymond Mata “These kids, the training, the music that you are giving the kids is very important because it will develop their potential, their talents as well as they can show off that they have the skills even though this is a reservation area.” “In terms of behavior it gives them motivation as well as to discipline themselves for them to be able to join the practice.” He would definitely like to see the program continue in the fall.
• Lodgegrass School Teacher #1 “Yeah the program really did have value because  they get a chance to play violins. Before this they’ve never even thought of playing violins ever and I’m really glad that they got to experience it.” She saw a positive benefit in attitude and behavior. Continue the program? ‘Yes, most definitely, like I said you know, They’ve never had an experience like this and I think it is a really really good experience for them.”
• Lodgegrass School Teacher #2 “So when they learn the song there is a sense of pride and they talk about it in the classroom.”
• Favorite things “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” “Doing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and playing the violin.” “Plucking (the strings).”
• Instructor #1  I know that introducing this string program to the kids in Lodge Grass has been a tremendous success. I witnessed the moment that it “clicked” with so many of them. It was amazing to see the change from this just being another class for them, to being a joyful part of their day. The children in Lodge Grass have experienced a spark of love for the violin and cello. I hope that spark can be extended and nourished into a life long passion. 
• Instructor #2  I remember being unsure if the   students would actually WANT to learn a musical instrument when I first arrived. To my surprise, they were absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to be playing instruments in school, and I was grateful to see this. Being able to share and pass on the experience of music to these kids was an experience of my own that I will never forget.