Gazette Staff
Submitted by Patricia D’Ercole
American Suzuki Foundation Board Member

STEVENS POINT — The American Suzuki Foundation and the Aber Suzuki Center (ASC) invites you to their annual Music of the Masters Need-based Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at 6:00pm at the Noel Fine Arts Center Courtyard.

Bring your friends for “An Evening of Movie Music” provided by Aber Suzuki Center students, faculty and alumni.  In addition to artistic performances, the evening includes elegant hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and sumptuous desserts. New this year is a 50/50 raffle.

Tickets are available at the Aber Suzuki Center (715-346-3033), from faculty and board members, or online, at: https://abersuzukicenter.wildapricot.org.  Ticket Prices: $50 before Oct. 27 ($55 after), or $25 with UWSP ID (one ticket per ID).

The goal of the Suzuki philosophy is not to produce prodigies, but to develop loving, compassionate human beings through the discipline of music.  Dr. Suzuki was among the first to believe that talent is not inherited but can be developed given a rich learning environment created by parents.  Because the belief is that every child can learn music, a family’s budget should not be the inhibiting factor to children being able to fulfil their potential.

The goal is to raise $8,000 for scholarships for the year.  Scholarships are typically given to students whose family is experiencing extenuating circumstances such as job loss, unexpected medical or other expenses.   Over the years, the Music of the Masters has generated over $200,000 for need-based scholarships for students at the Aber Suzuki Center.  The Aber Suzuki Center has approximately 250 students from 32 different zip codes in Central Wisconsin and produces students on par with any metropolitan area.   One of ASC’s graduates who plays for the movie industry, (a very prestigious opportunity) reported that he is the only musician he is aware of that plays at his level and who comes from a town with a population of 12,000.

But there are far more alumni who still make music for their own enjoyment and, many doing so with their own children just as their parents did with them.  They are successful in nonmusical careers but return to music to feed their soul.  That is why these scholarships are so important.  Parents and teachers never know on what path music will take their students, but their hope is that the skills they learn—discipline, perseverance, confidence, ability to take feedback, to name just a few– will help them to be successful in their chosen field and compassionate leaders.

Help make this opportunity possible for students who need a “leg up.”  Get your ticket for the Music of the Masters Need-based Scholarship Fundraiser on Nov. 10.