b'in Parry Sound.So even in retirement, Suzanne is still volunteering as a violin instructor.Over the years, her violin students at R. H. Cornish were popular performers at the annual holiday school concerts and at local retirement homes.To get over stage fright, theres strength in numbers, she pointed out. For her vocal and instrumental students, Suzanne would often arrange for them to perform in groups so that it wasnt so daunting.This gave them courage and a sense of accomplish-ment, she pointed out.As well as teaching the violin, Suzanne established a hand-drumming program at R. H. Cornish in 2003. She pointedoutthatsomechildren,whomayhavespecial needs, are unable to read music or be part of a band.But everyone can enjoy drumming! she enthused. Fundraisingwasdonetopurchasedrumequipment. Both Suzannes drum and violin students have had a long history of participating in the Sunderland Music Festival. There are many benefits to learning music, Suzanne pointed out. Music does so much for the brain. It uses both sides of the brain, and involves math and fine motor skills. It takes a lot of perseverance to master the violin, she Debra Jones of Strings Across the Sky, and her husband Brucenoted. I was always available to the students who wanted Aitken came to town and picked up Suzannes violins. to practice. It was also a safe space to land.Suzanne(continued from page 3) Her Suzuki method violin students always start out with a simple tune, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Its not just a Suzanne retired last June, and because there was no onenursery rhyme song, she pointed out, its Mozart!available to take over the Violin Club at R. H. Cornish, sheAlthough Suzanne officially retired as a teacher last June, found herself with 22 violins, which needed a new home. she has not given up sharing her love of music with children.She was very pleased to donate them to Strings AcrossShe has teamed up with teachers Valerie Anderson at Prince the Sky, an organization that provides musical educationAlbert school and Leanne Harrington at R. H. Cornish to to indigenous youth. These violins will be sent to northernteach drumming on a volunteer basis.Quebec and Ontario. Older students are often trained to help teach the young-The legacy lives on, Suzanne said. I have invested aer ones, through a leadership program.lot in these resources and I am pleased that other kids willSuzanne not only teaches music, she also performs.benefit. A former member of the Oshawa Symphony Orchestra, January 8, 2023 was the historic day that Debra Jones and(now known as the Ontario Philharmonic) for 10 years, her husband Bruce Aitken, of Strings Across the Sky, cameSuzanneplanstocontinueperformingwithDurham to pick up the violins. ChamberOrchestraandtheOrpheusSymphoniettain We had a wonderful afternoon of making music andUxbridge.getting to know each other, Suzanne said. I have agreed to go and teach at their summer camp for a week this summer WE DO IT ALL ALIGNMENTS BRAKESMon.-Fri. 8am - 5pm TUNE UPSRepairs and Service Sat. 8am - noonEXHAUSTFEBRUARY SPECIAL ONLY We are putting the brakes on high priceswe will pay the taxes on all brakes! CALL TO BOOK APPOINTMENT TODAY!1511 Reach Street, Port Perry905-985-1999 Vehicle Truck Rental info@portperryautomotive.comwww.portperryautomotive.com Certifications4FOCUS - FEBRUARY 2023'