Suzuki String Program Celebrates 50 Years at SIUE
Children and youth learning and playing classical music through the Japanese-based Suzuki Method has been part of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for 50 years.
The public is encouraged to attend the Suzuki String Program’s anniversary open house on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. at Dunham Hall on the SIUE campus where Suzuki teachers will share details on the program, instruments used, teaching method and describe how students can get involved.
“I’m excited we are celebrating 50 years here at the University,” said Vera McCoy-Sulentic, director of the SIUE Suzuki Program and clinical instructor in the Department of Music. “Our program teaches violin, viola and cello. Families involved in our program are part of a warm and welcoming community.”
McCoy-Sulentic came to SIUE in 1986 as a graduate student to learn under the first director, John D. Kendall. Kendall was instrumental in bringing the Suzuki Music Method to the U.S., after he traveled to Japan to meet the technique’s creator, Shinichi Suzuki. Kendall developed and directed the program at SIUE for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1987. He died in 2011.
