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About the Copper Country Suzuki Association

Mission Statement
The Copper Country Suzuki Association is committed to providing professional and affordable instruction on string instruments to students of Houghton, Keweenaw, and Baraga Counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. One of our primary goals is to create performance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. The Suzuki method and philosophy emphasizes the natural ability of all children to learn. We strive to enrich many lives-the students', their families', and the life of our community.

History
The history of the Copper Country Suzuki Association is an example of the ideal in public-private partnership, assisted by a miracle or two, which has brought enrichment to our community and joy to our children for thirty years.

In 1971 the Copper Country Intermediate School District received a state arts grant to purchase child-sized violins (most of which are still in use) to be used in a Suzuki program. The teachers, in the early years of the program, essentially donated their time and put a great effort into recruiting young students. Being a university community, we have never had a shortage of students.

Seventeen years later, our Suzuki teacher was ready to retire. At the same time, the classical violin teacher also decided to retire, so about thirty students were left in the lurch. Fortuitously, the concertmaster of our Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra (KSO) was also the classical violin music teacher; when she retired, Michigan Tech was in need of a musician who could lead the string section of the KSO. By cooperating with Michigan Tech, the Copper Country Suzuki Association could conduct a national search for a teacher/concertmaster. The local community was supportive - many individuals and businesses made small contributions, public schools provided lesson space, and churches hosted our concerts.

Once the Copper Country Suzuki Association had shown its determination and commitment, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) began to give major financial support. Eventually two teachers were needed, and a Suzuki-trained teacher usually taught the beginning students, with the KSO concertmaster handling the advanced students. A youth orchestra was formed, bringing together musicians from several schools districts. This was an important contrast to the small school programs and strong athletic rivalries in our area.

Just after our 25th anniversary, the Houghton-Portage Township Schools brought a professional cellist to our area through an Artist-in-Residence grant. Early collaboration with this artist/teacher provided an opportunity for the Copper Country Suzuki Association to offer high quality low string instruction along with its already strong violin/viola program. A part time violin instructor was also added at this time which increased teaching opportunities and led to the formation of the Copper Country's first resident professional string quartet.

The last few years have continued to bring changes to the Copper Country Suzuki Association.  We have hired a new director,  who is a former Artist-in-Residence, and have also hired a new instructor.  We are currently seeking to find a cello instructor, youth symphony director, and chamber music coordinator.  It is not always easy to find the right person to teach music in the Copper Country, but we have consistently been able to secure high quality artists/teachers who provide top level musicianship along with learning opportunities for aspiring community members of all ages and abilities. Our children are enriched by each and every teacher who comes to us. 

In 1998, an anonymous donor helped set up an endowment for the Copper Country Suzuki Association through the Keweenaw Community Foundation.  Our parents and supporters have continued to help the endowment grow, and the Copper Country Suzuki Association contributes the proceeds from the Suzuki Jam and Art Auction to the endowment.  

Two great strengths of the Copper Country Suzuki Association are its flexibility and its collaboration with other community arts programs.  The Copper Country Suzuki Association has continued to work closely with our partners in the community, and especially the Fine Arts Department at Michigan Tech University.  The relationship between Michigan Tech and the Copper Country Suzuki Association involves cooperation and communication because we need each other. Like the children and the music, we are working together to create something beautiful.

Web:  www.coppercountrysuzuki.org