The Season of Giving

December 2017

“I don’t think you realize how much the String Academy meant to me. Studying at SAW all those years, I consider you all family.”

~ Melita Tyler, SAW Alum and Doctoral Student

Dear Friend,

One of the most rewarding gifts a teacher receives is the heartfelt messages from former students. Music transforms lives in so many ways. Scientists have found that music lessons can produce profound and lasting changes which enhance a child’s ability to learn and focus —not to mention increased empathy and ability to interact with others. Sadly, fewer schools, especially in low-income areas, are providing this opportunity to their students today.

Each year, 115+ children ages 4-18, from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, study violin, viola and cello at the String Academy of Wisconsin. SAW’s professional faculty carefully guide students in a challenging course of study that includes weekly private and group instruction, plus classes in music theory and ear training. Our comprehensive teaching with its teamwork and many performing opportunities offers much more than music education. By educating the whole child, it offers preparation for success in school and life!

The Academy strives to make an excellent music education affordable for all through our acclaimed Urban Students in Arts Education program which includes two primary strategies for providing high quality music education and instruments to children and youth whose families cannot afford it:

Scholarships and instruments to nearly 30 students annually whose families could not otherwise afford music lessons.
Partnerships with Milwaukee Public Schools where a majority of students are from low-income homes. This year, our professional artist faculty members are providing instruction to students with demonstrated potential and a strong desire to learn at two MPS elementary schools: Escuela Vieau and Cass Street. These students also come to the Academy for weekly group instruction and performances.

These programs can only continue with contributions from foundations and generous individuals like you, who understand the profound importance of the arts in a child’s development. Thank you for that.

Will you make a gift today to help ensure that talented students in Milwaukee continue to grow and develop through music education – no matter their fi nancial circumstances?

Your gift of any amount matters, and is greatly appreciated. It is instrumental to our success in educating the whole child.

Sincerely,

Darcy Drexler, SAW Director

Julilly W. Kohler, SAW Board Chair