By Aman Chabra, Local News 8 Reporter
IDAHO FALLS - Local school children are getting the opportunity to learn music despite the economic downturn.
Joe and Jackie Sites own and operate Sites' Violin Shop on S. Boulevard in Idaho Falls. They started the Strings for Kids program in 2005. They started it so kids who may not necessarily be able to afford music lessons and instruments might have the chance to learn how to play.
"Music lessons are pricey, so we just want the next great fiddler to get the chance to learn how to play without the steep financial cost," said Joe Sites.
Both Joe and Jackie are world class violinists. Wednesday, both were on hand at Linden Park Elementary School with a group of children and their violins. Jackie led the lesson in which kids learned basic songs such as "Hot Cross Buns" and "Mary had a Little Lamb".
Over the years, Strings for Kids has helped children from elementary schools all over Idaho Falls.
"It started with a group of kids form Hawthorne (Elementary) coming down to the store and hearing the music lessons being taught. They expressed interest in learning, and we then put things in motion to get the program started. Since then, it's grown and grown," said Sites.
The Sites' are also putting on a concert to promote Strings for Kids and other projects they support. The show will be on Saturday, March 7th at the Colonial Theatre in Idaho Falls.
