Dr. Noah Rogoff
UNK Department of Music and Performing Arts, 380.865.8618
UNK– Central Nebraska youth have an opportunity to learn how to play stringed instruments through the University of Nebraska at Kearney String Project.
The UNK String Project is supported, in part, by a grant from the National String Project Consortium (NSPC). UNK is one of only 35 project sites in the nation, and the only site in Nebraska and the surrounding area.
According to Dr. Ting-Lan Chen of the Department of Music & Performing Arts, the mission of the program is to increase the number of young students playing stringed instruments by providing string education in communities where students had difficulties accessing string education. Last year, more than 30 students participated in the UNK String Project.
Students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to study violin, viola, cello or double bass with UNK String Project director Dr. Noah Rogoff, and student teachers Rachel Weinberg of Kearney and Jennifer Zumwalt of Lincoln. Classes will be held on the campus. Classes for beginners will take place from 4-5 p.m., and advanced classes will be from 5-6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. At the end of each semester, the students will perform in concert in the UNK Fine Arts Recital Hall.
“The classes are fun and extremely cheap,” Dr. Chen said. “A one-hour of class is only $1.50.”
A $90 fee covers 60 hours of class time. Students participating in the UNK String Project will need to provide their own instruments, whether they buy or rent. A few instruments are available through UNK. For information regarding available instruments, individuals may contact the UNK Department of Music & Performing Arts at 308.865.8618.
In January of 2008, UNK was selected to become a NSPC site. The NSPC is affiliated with businesses, foundations, professional music organizations and individuals. Membership in the NSPC is a 10-year commitment that is matched by the college or university.
“We received more than $16,000 from the National String Project Consortium and DANA Foundation to establish the UNK String Project,” Dr. Chen said.
The UNK String Project is funded by NSPC, Dana Foundation, Kearney Symphony Orchestra, UNK College of Fine Arts and Humanities, UNK Office of Sponsored Programs, UNK Department of Music and Performing Arts, Kearney Area Arts Council and community donations.
