There’s no place like Laurel Elementary in the Poudre School District. What am I saying? I’ve never seen an elementary school, be it in Texas, New York, or Oregon, like Laurel …. so committed to the arts, with music coming from every corner. Some days instruction goes on in the Creativity Lab, Violin Program office, and a random hallway nook, all at the same time. What could be more rewarding than being asked, “Do I have violin with you today?” as you walk to the entrance of a classroom, volunteering to give up their recess time with anticipation and enthusiasm. In order to serve even more students, Laurel has expanded their program from one to three committed and energized violin instructors. This September 2013, Director Chad Fisher welcomed new violin teacher, Lydia Demi-Smith, to their 170 student Suzuki and Fiddle based Violin Program as well as solidified PYCH and Jephta Bernstein as a continuing element of their burgeoning program, adding chamber music and music reading to the mix. These faces say it all.
