Paul Banks students take steps toward musicianship

Local first graders built their own cardboard violins the night of Wednesday, Sept. 13 as part of the Paul Banks Elementary Preludes Violin Program. After developing the strength, coordination, and knowledge of how to handle a delicate and difficult to play instrument, they will graduate to real violins and bows later this fall.

The entire program, including instruction, violins, and all teaching materials, is privately funded through grants and donations.

Inspired by the wildly successful Juneau Alaska Music Matters (JAMM) program, the goal is to create better learners and citizens through instrumental music instruction and ensemble performance. All first and second graders at Paul Banks will be participating in the program this year.