Redding Initiative
A few years ago, the strings program in the Redding, California public schools was eliminated due to budget cuts along with many other programs across the country. School Superintendent Mike McLaughlin read about the benefits of young people playing instruments and launched an experiment. He made violin class mandatory for all fourth graders at Cypress School, an elementary school with the highest percentage of poverty and the lowest reading scores in the Redding District.
Within one year, reading scores went from the lowest to one of the highest in the district. Attendance levels increased. Families became involved. Grades went up. Behavior improved. Armed with this information, McLaughlin gained support for expanding the program throughout the district. Today, over 700 students are involved in the Redding Public School’s strings program and an intense competition has developed among students to audition for the elite “Sequoia Strings” group, which performs across northern California.
Classics for Kids Foundation became involved with the Redding Schools in 2000 through a matching grant to purchase quality stringed instruments and through mentoring programs with Michael Reynolds, Artistic Director. In 2004, CFKF committed to a multi-year relationship with Redding. The Redding Community, led by local arts champion Judy Salter, garners $25,000 - $40,000 annually through fundraising performances featuring Mr. Reynolds and the Sequoia Strings. These funds, matched by CFKF, continue to provide quality stringed instruments and regular visits by inspirational mentors for Redding’s young people.
