Suzuki & Friends Jam and Art Auction
Fiddler Jessica Dakota, guitarist
Bruce Rundman, and harpist John Manno will join violin, viola & cello
students of the Copper Country Suzuki Association for a live jam session
in the Rozsa Center Lobby at Michigan Technological University on Sunday,
April 14, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The event is free, refreshments included,
and everyone is invited to attend. Unique objects created by local artists
from the Association's old rental instruments will be on sale in a silent
auction to support the Suzuki Association. The jam session gives community
members a chance to hear young fiddlers and other string players at their
enthusiastic best in an informal setting. "People can drop by anytime
between 1:00 and 3:00 to hear some great music, enjoy the art display,
and visit with friends," says CCSA president Mary Sue Hyslop. Proceeds
from the art sale will help to match a $25,000 grant to the CCSA's permanent
endowment fund, which is a part of the Keweenaw Community Foundation. The non-profit Suzuki Association,
an organization of community volunteers, has provided lessons in violin,
viola and cello to students of all ages throughout the Copper Country
for many years. Founded more than 30 years ago by Houghton teacher Rosemary
Remington, CCSA works closely with local school districts and the Fine
Arts Department at Michigan Tech to bring high-quality string teachers
to the area and to provide lessons and ensembles (plus rental instruments
in many sizes) for students at all levels, from pre-schoolers to adults. "We are committed to making
music instruction available and affordable to families in the Copper Country,"
Hyslop says. "Through music, we strive to enrich many lives: our
students, their families, and the community." In addition to presenting
two concerts each year, CCSA students perform free of charge for community
events and organizations such as the Chassell Strawberry Festival, Kiwanis
Family Fair, and the area's long-term care facilities. More information on the Suzuki
and Friends Jam and Art Auction is available by calling the CCSA office
(487-3606) or the Michigan Tech Department of Fine Arts (487-2067).