Emily Hornbake

When I was teaching with the Fairview String Project, I had one first grade student who dropped and broke a violin during a small group lesson (6 students). It was an accident that occured because she was not paying attention and was  holding the violin incorrectly. This was not her first behavioral offense, and it was decided that she would not be able to have a violin for the remainder of the school year.

 

As her small group teacher, I knew that she would only cause more behavoiral problems if she was not able to fully particpate in class. She had difficulty staying focused, and this was generally easier for her when she was active. I therefore decided to make a cardboard violin for her to use. I made it the appropriate size, added a raised chinrest, rubberband strings, and put a sponge underneath in order to make it look as much like the other students' instruments as possible.

 

When I gave this student her new violin, she was immediately excited. She had known that breaking the violin was her last chance, and I believe that she thought she was not going to be able to play anymore. She used this violin in every large and small group class, and her behavior improved immensely.

 

The following year when she was in second grade, she was able to play a real violin again. She was much more focused and attentive during class, and rarely had behavioral problems. I think that she is an excellent example of a student who excelled because she had many adults at school and at home who cared about her and worked together to help her be successful.