Magic Strings Costs:
$25.00 fee upon acceptance ($10 for each additional sibling)
Insurance for school instruments (12 months)
Violins: $30.00
Cellos: $50.00
Instrument Rental (varies depending on where you rent)
Violins: approx. $20.00-$30.00/month
Cellos: approx. $37.00-$60.00/month
Music Books
Suzuki Book I (violin or cello): approx. $7.00
Christmas Kaleidoscope (violin or cello): approx. $4.00
Suzuki Listening CD or Tape: approx. $10-$16.00
? Partial or full scholarships are available based on need.
Magic Strings Contacts
Southwood Elementary:
Susan Arbury, Principal
(360) 802-7370
Linda Madsen
(360) 802-7406
Heather Landry
(360) 802-7405
Judy Davis
(360) 802-7402
Brandy Stockwell
(360) 802-7403
Enumclaw School District—
Southwood Elementary
An Introduction to
Magic
Strings
“The arts may never change the world, but they
may change the people who change the world.”
-Maxine Greene
Grades 2-5
Magic Strings is an integrated music and arts experi-
ence. All students in Magic Strings receive string instruction during the school week on either violin or cello.
Magic Strings began in September of 2000 with a $25,000
grant from the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. The
grant provided 22 violins and 9 cellos. Parents and the
community have played a vital role in acquiring additional
resources. We continue to purchase instruments through
the fund raising efforts directed by our parent group.
Guiding Principles of Magic Strings
? Integrated art experiences
? Student centered instruction
? Sustained relationships over time
? Peer teaching
? Thinking skills
? Individualized learning goals (Students take part in
developing and assessing their achievement.)
We believe that the Magic Strings environment will support the development of citizens who accept responsibility for their own wellbeing and success, both individually and as a member of the
greater community.
What is my responsibility if my child uses an instrument that belongs to Magic Strings?
Our goal is to maintain our inventory of instruments for the
use of many students for many years. If you wish your child
to be able to take an instrument that belongs to Magic Strings
home to practice, we require that you purchase insurance that
pays for loss or accidental damage.
Are there any fees associated with participation in
Magic Strings?
Our goal is to keep this experience accessible to all families
and to keep costs at a minimum. There is a program fee of
$25.00 for consumable items such as strings for instruments
and other program supplies. The teachers replace strings as
they break so students can continue their practice without interruption. This fee is payable in full when your child is accepted into Magic Strings. Arrangements can be made to pay
over time if this is easier for your family. In addition to the
program fee, there are costs associated with music books,
cd/tapes, and either instrument rental or insurance. These
costs are listed on the back of this pamphlet.
How are students selected to be in the program?
Students who are currently in the program are given the option of returning for subsequent years if the program works
well for them. Siblings are given an opportunity to enter the
program on a priority basis. If there are more applications
than spaces available at the application deadline, spaces will
be filled by lottery. We would like to emphasize that this opportunity is for all students, and that the VH1 grant has made
this opportunity possible for students whose families might
not otherwise be able to provide a child with the opportunity
to learn an instrument.
Will my child be guaranteed the use of an instrument?
We are fortunate to have many instruments through our grant
and through fund raising efforts. While we try to provide an
instrument, issues such as numbers, correct size, or having
the instrument of choice available may affect our ability to
provide an instrument. Each year, some families are asked to
rent instruments when there is not a match.
Magic Strings Mission Statement
Our mission is to grow as a community of lifelong learners committed to
collaboration, inquiry, and celebration.
In order to achieve our mission and the Enumclaw
School District mission of All Students Achieving at
High Levels, we will….
? use music as a vehicle for learning how to learn
? teach and learn in a variety of settings
? focus our teaching and student mastery of state standards
? use student self-assessment in order to inspire ownership,
initiative, and responsibility
? help all students achieve the intended outcomes of the
curriculum by addressing their individual needs and
learning styles
? work collaboratively in developing instructional strategies,
designing methods of assessment, and advancing the
vision of our district
? involve parents and community in the learning process by
creating shared learning experiences
? teach for understanding and provide a variety of
opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery
? monitor the results of our individual and collective efforts
and use the results to guide our commitment to continuous
improvement
? encourage passion, cooperation, and resilience in all
members of the learning community
Why create an option like this?
Magic Strings Questions and Answers
What is Magic Strings?
Through a grant of instruments from VH1 Save the Music Foundation, Southwood Elementary has four classrooms, grades two
through five, that benefit from lessons in violin and cello. Lessons and practice time occur at school, with many, but not all,
students having the use of a school instrument. Students from
all Enumclaw elementary schools are welcome to participate in
this program. Students in Magic Strings are full time students at
Southwood Elementary.
At what level must students play to be in Magic Strings?
Students can be at any level, from beginners to experienced players.
How is Magic Strings different from membership in the
district orchestra program?
Magic Strings uses the Suzuki method as a guide. Students begin
at the same place and progress at their own rate. There are group
performances as well as a recital where each student plans a solo.
The district orchestra program is a large group that meets outside
of the school day. Magic Strings begins in second grade, whereas
orchestra is currently offered beginning in fifth grade. Participation in each group compliments the other, and we strongly encourage students to participate in both groups.
For some children whose major source of intelligence is in
music, the arts are an important part of the way they learn.
When they have arts opportunities, they frequently do better
in other academic areas. For all children, the arts are another
way of seeing cultures, responding to life, and learning selfdiscipline and perseverance. They help develop dexterity of
both mind and body.
What is the curriculum in the Magic Strings
classrooms like?
Enumclaw district curriculum is used to teach reading, writing, math, social studies, and science.
Who should apply?
Students entering second, third, fourth and fifth grades are
invited to apply. We ask that families and teachers assess their
child’s willingness to learn and practice a stringed instrument.
We also ask for at least one year’s commitment, as midyear
changes can be very disruptive for the student.