The IUP String Project continues to provide outreach support to string music education programs locally, regionally, and internationally.
Over the past four years, the IUP String Project has supported the development of new string music education programs at St. Bernard's School in Indiana, Pa., and at Jackson Elementary School in Ebensburg, Pa. Both programs were started by music educator and IUP alumnus Melissa Douglas.
St. Bernard's School, Indiana, Pa.
In the spring of 2006, music teacher Ms. Douglas invited the IUP String Project teachers to present a recruiting and informational program for students and parents at St. Bernard's School in order to develop interest in a new string program. Beginning in the fall of 2007, one or two String Project teachers have assisted the music faculty at St. Bernard's in providing string instruction on a regular basis.
Jackson Elementary School, Ebensburg, Pa.
In 2010, Ms. Douglas again invited the IUP String Project to support the development of a new string program at Jackson Elementary School in the Central Cambria School District. Beginning in January 2010, one String Project teacher assisted Ms. Douglas in providing instruction for weekly string classes for beginning students. The String Project received $500 from the IUP Center for Civic Engagement and Student Leadership to support travel costs for this project.
The IUP String Project has also provided support for music education programs in Haiti. Since 2006, Dr. Jennings has developed connections with music education programs in Haiti through teaching and performing at a music camp in Jacmel, Haiti. In the spring of 2007, String Project teachers, as well as members of IUPASTA (IUP student chapter of American String Teachers Association), raised funds to provide scholarships for six music students in Haiti to attend the largest and most prestigious summer music camp in Haiti. Without these funds, these students would not have been able to attend the camp.
In the fall of 2008 and the spring of 2010, the IUP String Project helped in hosting professional development opportunities for young Haitian cellist and music educator Fabienne Fanord. Through studies at IUP, Ms. Fanord observed and participated in the IUP String Project during both visits. As one of the main cello teachers in Haiti, Ms. Fanord was able to observe and learn string music education methods and techniques that she could take back to her students and colleagues in Haiti. Ms. Fanord participated in the String Project for about two months during the fall of 2008 and during the Spring 2010 semester.