Strings attached

For several students at the PATHE Center, there are definitely strings attached for their new class.
More than a dozen students began taking lessons on the violin or cello recently as part of the curriculum
at the Positive Approach to Handling Emotions program.
In addition to the 13 students who are learning a stringed instrument, one student is taking saxophone
lessons for his music class.
The PATHE Center, a function of the Wood County Educational Service Center, holds classes for selected
students at the Children’s Resource Center on Klotz Road.
The music classes are being provided by Dr. Elaine Colprit, chair of music education department at
Bowling Green State University. Colprit brings students from her methods course for part of their field
experience requirement.
"It’s really beneficial two ways," Colprit said explaining how her students are learning as
they teach the students at PATHE.
The students, who range from fourth through eighth grade, have really responded well to the music
lessons, according to Janelle LaFond, coordinator of PATHE.
"This is really an extraordinary program," LaFond added. "Music is such a big part of
life. The kids are really looking forward to being here."
Kalob Bishop, 14, an eighth grader from the Otsego district is taking violin lessons.
"It is so pretty and has great notes," Bishop said.
He indicated his interest in the instrument began when his fourth-grade class watched an orchestra.
"They played really cool songs, it was awesome," Bishop raved,
Robert Blessing, 13, of Bowling Green, is the student taking saxophone lessons. He is also in the eighth
grade and had begun taking saxophone lessons last school year. He is very pleased to continue his
studies of the instrument despite the fact he says "it’s hard and it’s got more notes."
While Colprit’s students specialize in strings, one of her students has a secondary focus on the
saxophone and can thus teach Blessing on the sax.
"There are tons of other saxophones you can play," Blessing said. "If you know one, then
you know them all."
His saxophone has been loaned from the BG school system; while the cellos and violins are rented from a
Toledo music store. Both the violins and the cellos have three sizes (half, three-quarters and full)
which are selected for the students, based on their size.
Until this collaboration with BGSU, music classes were not part of the full curriculum for the PATHE
students.
Colprit and her students presented a short concert for the PATHE students.
"Our kids were mesmerized," LaFond said of the performance.
Their appearance inspired the 14 students to sign up for lessons. Each student receives private lessons
once a week which last from 20 minutes to a half-hour.
"It’s great seeing the students make progress," Colprit said. "So it’s lots of fun for
all."
LaFond summarized, "It’s been a very positive program for the students."
She added they are looking at continuing the program as long as possible, with hopes of expansion.
One task being pursued is the writing of a grant to purchase instruments instead of renting them. They
also hope to work with other university classes to expand the variety of instruments being taught.