South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is hitting a new high note with the launch of its 100-Violin Initiative, a movement to bring the joy of music education to underserved students across South Florida. The program aims to raise funds for instruments – to the tune of, you guessed it, 100 violins – and introductory lessons in reading music, ensemble performance and the simple joy of playing together.
The initiative further stepped into the spotlight following a Dine Out for a Good Cause event at Sicilian Oven’s Fort Lauderdale location on October 21, where 15 percent of all proceeds benefited the campaign. Patrons swapped pepperoni slices for philanthropy, helping spark what SFSO hopes will become a sustained community effort.
“It’s music to our ears when a young child embraces the joy of playing an instrument,” said Jacqueline Lorber, president and CEO of South Florida Symphony Orchestra. “By engaging students from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds early through classroom music instruction and gifted instruments, we hope to lay a foundation for creative growth, academic success, and foster a lifelong connection to the arts. It’s a gift from the heart.”
Early donors are already helping the initiative crescendo. Among them: Michael Goodman of Goodman Public Relations, who was inspired by his own high school band experience; CAN Community Health’s Kal Garaj, who hopes “a child finds their voice and future filled with harmony”; and longtime musicians DeAnn and Rick Hazey, who support the cause to ensure others discover the same lifelong inspiration music gave them.
The program complements SFSO’s existing Symphony in the Schools STEAM initiative, which has reached more than 130,000 students throughout Monroe, Miami-Dade, and Broward counties.
Don’t fret (pun intended). You can help the cause, too, by donating via southfloridasymphony.org/100violins.
