This level of difficulty is one of the reasons many schools don’t have instruction on string instruments or when they do, the programs are limited. And this is where the Mozart Strings Program comes into play.

From left to right, Peyton Elementary Principle Mike AuClaire, Peyton Music Teacher LeeCathy Highfield, Executive Director with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association Debi Krause-Reinsch and Peyton Music Teacher and Mozart Strings Coordinator Barbara Hardin pose next to the inside of a piano that was mounted on the wall of the Peyton classroom so that students could see what a piano looked like on the inside and have a chance to compose on the strings.

The program also offers foundational orchestra experiences for students by having them perform local and joint concerts in Colorado Springs and the outlying areas.

The previous year saw the program open a branch in the Peyton School District. That first year, it was open only to Peyton students, but with the success of the program it now open to all students from the area, both public and homeschooled.

The program focuses on string instruments: violin, viola, cello and string bass. With students being instructed in the Mimi Zwieg technique, developed at the Indiana University String Academy. It combines learning methodology from Suzuki, Rolland, Kodaly and Orff.

The unique aspect of the program is that it requires a student to master a skill before moving on to the next. This is especially effective for teaching correct technique in virtually every area of life and is critical in learning how to play string instruments.

Students participate in two training sessions a week and are encouraged to practice daily. Parents play a critical part in this program and many of them even participate in it.

“We love what we do with the kids,” said LeeCathy Highfield, “it's not just about the music, it also teaches a lot of other things including leadership.”

In addition to teaching students music, theMozart Strings Program makes finding quality music educator's a priority. This ensures that only instructors who know theMimi Zwieg technique are teaching and insures greater quality of instruction.

Students who have been part of a music program often find it easier to get accepted into college and find more scholarship opportunities open to them.

Participants in the Mozart Strings Program have the option of choosing which of the string instruments they would like to learn. Those who do not have an instrument of their own can rent one from a local music store.

Renting has an added benefit in that string instruments come in different sizes, the violin for example can be found in quarter, half and regular size. Smaller instruments work well for younger students who don't have the strength to hold a full sized one. By renting the equipment, parents don't have to keep buying new instruments as their child gains the strength to handle the larger instruments.

The Peyton program is subsidized by the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony and this allows the students to pay half of what they would in other Mozart Strings Programs in Colorado Springs.

Students perform concerts in their home schools, plus three combined concerts throughout the year.

For more information call, 633-3901, or visit Colorado Springs Youth Symphony at www.csysa.com