The D39 Educational Foundation awarded $952 to Highcrest Middle School for the purchase of Stringrise instruments, which are designed as pre-instruments to support the development of proper technique and posture for students in beginning orchestra. The grant covers the cost of four ½ size box violins, two ¾ size box violins, four ½ size cellos, two ¾ size cellos, one ⅛ size box bass, and one ¼ box size bass. The Stringrise instruments look, feel, and function in the same way as traditional instruments, but are significantly lighter, don’t produce sound, and include guides to help scaffold the learning process for students. This allows beginning orchestra students a new way to connect with their instrument to develop proper posture and technique which will ultimately allow students to achieve higher levels of musicianship.
