A Plucky Bunch
Since 2000, the NJSO has partnered with Newark Public Schools on the Newark Early Strings program, in which elementary school students in second through fourth grade are taught to play the violin.
Children involved in music programs, and specifically Newark Early Strings, have improved test scores, more confidence and better performance in school, said Chiho Okuizumi, director of the symphony's education outreach and community programs. She referenced a study by two researchers from Columbia University's Teachers College that shows a 30 percent difference in test performance between Newark Early Strings students and those kids at the same schools who aren't participating in the program.
This article, written by Kasi Addison, appeared in the March 29th, 2006 publication of The New Star-Ledger.
Published Thursday, Mar. 30, 2006