Total Served
“We attended the live performance of Black Violin at the Schuster Center back in November 2019. While we enjoyed the performance, it came after a difficult time for our family. In August 2019 our 20-month year old son suffered 4 seizures for the first time. Following that we saw a series of sensory issues develop within him. At the November 2019 performance, my son had an extreme reaction to the bass sounds and volume of the show - something that was never an issue before at events we attended. He wanted to hear the music but couldn't cope with the bass tones. Meanwhile my older daughter was sitting nearby enjoying herself, while I sat on the stairs, massaging and hugging my son. He didn't want to leave but didn't want stay. It was a near impossible situation. Why do I share this? Well, nearly a year later through lots of observation and discussion, we have come to understand that our son uses music as a coping mechanism. He is the kid constantly singing, making patterned sounds with his mouth, and who is incredibly motivated by the world of music. I was excited to see we had a second chance to see Black Violin virtually. I was excited to see how my son would react this time around. My son has requested to hear the 40-minute performance about 20 times since seeing and hearing it the first time a few weeks ago. He mimics the playing of the instruments and wiggles his fingers to the beat. It's been amazing. Thank you for offering this virtual field trip. It has been such a blessing for our family.”
K. Kohler-Tibuni- Homeschool Parent, Dayton, OH
“I was absolutely thrilled to give my students a concert opportunity during a difficult school year - at no cost to the school or to them! Black Violin got my students excited about the fusion of different musical styles and told an incredible success story of two Black musicians in a predominantly white landscape. Representation truly matters! My students were inspired and motivated to work toward their performance goals.”
B. Borgo- Middle School Teacher, Merrillville, IN
“My students wanted to dance, and they learned that ‘anything is possible if you believe in yourself’. My 2nd grade students really picked up on the lyrics of the song. They shared that they know they can do anything they want in life and will let no one stop them.”
J. Van Dine – 2nd Grade Teacher, Fairborn, OH
“THANK YOU so very much for sharing this amazing performance and all the learning resources! The students enjoyed it incredibly and as a teacher I was able to help them make many learning connections with it. Awesome! We love Black Violin and the Discovery Series!”
J. Higginbotham – 2nd & 3rd Grade Teacher, Trotwood, OH
“A student commented after I asked 1-10 what would you rate this field trip? She said, ‘If I had a million fingers, I would give it a million!’”
J. Bertrand-LaDuke- 3rd Grade Teacher, Milwaukee, WI