February 25, 2004

Contact Sister Marcella Steffes at 796-3772

SUZUKI STRING FESTIVAL CONCERT AT VITERBO MARCH 6

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Approximately 130 young people will take the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre stage at Viterbo University for the Suzuki String Festival Concert Saturday, March 6 at 2 p.m.

The Suzuki style performances will begin with the most difficult pieces by advanced students followed by a “play down” in which more and more students participate until all students are on stage. Twenty cellists, twelve violists, and over one hundred violinists will take part in the performance. Many of the participants are students in Viterbo’s Preparatory School of Arts, and all live in La Crosse or the surrounding area.

“It’s very inspiring to see such young children playing so well and so together,” said cello and violin teacher Sister Marcella Steffes.

The Suzuki method of music was developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki of Japan who believed all children can develop musical ability if they begin at a young age and learn music the way they learned their native language -- through listening, imitation, repetition, and a rich motivational environment created by parents.

The concert is free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted to fund scholarships for students in the Viterbo Preparatory School of Arts. A reception will follow the concert.