Ravinia Lawndale Family Music School violin students study and perform in ensembles with community and family members through-out the year. Last week, the students and their family members got to meet superstar violinist Joshua Bell backstage before his July 2 performance of Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy. Mr. Bell shared stories of his life as a musician and of his early days learning the violin. Click here to see pictures of the students with Mr. Bell.
When asked about the experience, 10- year old violinist Donovan Holt said “I like that I got to go backstage and meet the performer…” and his mother Donna added “…it was a wonderful evening for my entire family…all of my children were so inspired by Mr. Bell’s words and playing!”
Part of an ongoing partnership between Ravinia Festival and the community of Lawndale, the Ravinia Lawndale Family Music School provides free group lessons in piano, guitar, voice and violin to children, adults and families who reside in the Lawndale neighborhood. The Ravinia Lawndale Partnership, established in 1998, provides access to the arts and opportunities for cultural enrichment to this underserved west-side community. The Partnership brings families together, fostering an appreciation of music through high-quality music instruction, performance and concerts.
Isaac Sinnett
REACH*TEACH*PLAY Project Manager