A superintendent at a Pennsylvania school is helping to reduce costs for families with students interested in playing a musical instrument.
Once a popular choice, the violin can cost hundreds of dollars in rental fees during the average school year.
"Over 70% of our students are low-income. So that means 100% of our kids receive a free breakfast and free lunch every single day," said Dr. Laura Jacob, the superintendent of the California Area School District. She has figured out how to produce the instruments at just a fraction of the cost – and right from her office.
Inside her office, Jacob has more than 30 3D printers.
"We did start with humble beginnings, with just two," she said.
Jacob said the idea of 3D printing came from the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. After watching and listening intently to a YouTube video of professionals playing plastic instruments, the idea resonated.
"I started tinkering. I found some models online. I'm not a computer scientist or an engineer by any means, but after a variety of failures, I found one that actually printed and it sounded good. It's a great start for kids," Jacob said.
For just $50 per violin, Jacob began churning out an orchestra, free to any student in her rural school district in Coal Center, Pennsylvania.
Printing more than 200 violins for students in just five years, Jacob now teaches a weekly 3D violin club.
"It's that moment when you see them smile like that, that smile that comes out as they're starting to play and they create that sound themselves," Jacob said.
Students' response
Students have expressed their appreciation for the program and instruments.
"It makes me feel powerful because it's just a big group and we can all do it like at the same time," said student Leyla Knox. "It makes me feel more confident in school than I did before."
"I feel like it makes you smarter because you have to learn notes and how long to put it on and what they mean," student Ally Neil added.
Jacob said the program can help provide students with a lifelong love for music, saying, "If that sticks with them, then to me it's worth it."
"I feel like it makes you a better student, because if I can play the violin, I can do anything," said student Evie Dentino.
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