P.S. 233 Youngsters Bowing To Classical Music

Second graders at P.S. 233 recently took their classical music act on the road when they performed at a Queens high school.

As staff and students at Community School District 18’s Public School 233 travel throughout the school building, the sound of classical music can often be heard. Fifty of the school’s second graders are learning to play the violin as part of a grant awarded to the district by the Samuel Rubin Foundation. A noted philanthropist, Rubin was also an accomplished violinist, who was an active supporter of education and the arts.

Since last spring, these students have been working with ArtsConnection teaching artist David Burnett to learn the basic skills to play the violin. Through the district’s Project ARTS funds, P.S. 233 was able to purchase 50 violins for students.

The students have been practicing twice weekly and recently had the opportunity to display their talents at a celebration for the centennial of the birth of Samuel Rubin at Richmond High School in Queens. It was the official launch of "Violin Lessons," a citywide public school violin program.

The District 18 students played variations on "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and recited a poem following the musical piece. Principal Yvonne Goldson addressed the crowd and praised the students and staff for their hard work and dedication to the violin program.

Representing the Canarsie-East Flatbush school district at the event were Deputy Superintendents Jackquelyn Harris Young and Heidi Dien Ludwig and School Board Member Josefina Johnson were in attendance at the performance as well.

"Budget cuts have taken music away from New York’s school children just when we need music...to provide beauty and hope and contribute to the reduction of violence," Ludwig recently noted.

She added, "District 18 has always been committed to seeking out and implementing exemplary arts programs for our students. Our partnership with the Samuel Rubin Foundation’s Public School Violin Programs demonstrates the wonderful impact the arts can have in our schools."

"On behalf of the Community School Board, I would like to commend the students and staff at Public School 233 who have been involved in the program for their hard work toward the project," stated Donna Pensabene, President of the Community School Board.

"Our students have proven successful in all areas of the academic curriculum and now we can add violin playing to that long list of successes," said Community Superintendent Paula LeCompte Speed following the performance. "These young musicians have shown great achievement in a short period of time."

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