Senator Easley Praises Oklahoma Trading Post Fiddlers

OKLAHOMA CITY- John Holden, instructor for the Oklahoma Trading Post Fiddlers at Roosevelt Elementary School in Pryor, described his group's recent visit to the State Capitol as the perfect learning experience.

Twenty students got to perform, meet legislative leaders and learn about Oklahoma history. "We came back from Oklahoma City on May 10 and we were just floating," Holden said. "It was the perfect day. We spent the whole day learning about government and the history of Oklahoma. We also got to meet the governor and the lieutenant governor. It was the neatest thing to perform at the Capitol." 

The fiddlers displayed their talents at the State Capitol with the violin, while also displaying to lawmakers the importance of a growing initiative called "Oklahoma A+ Schools." Roosevelt Elementary is an Oklahoma A+ School. One of the initiative's goals is to integrate the arts into the curriculum and to advance the quality of the school experience by nurturing creative learners.  

State Sen. Mary Easley, D-Tulsa, said she was impressed by the group from Mayes County. "These students are a wonderful example of the positive influence that music has on a young person's life," Easley said. "They practice after school and even during the summer. I am very proud of what this group of talented young people has accomplished." 

State Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, also complimented the performers. "They did an outstanding job in their performance at the State Capitol," Burrage said. " They should be commended for their efforts." 

The idea for an after-school fiddle program began to form a few years ago when a Roosevelt violin student became a regular performer at school events and that student's mother wanted to create a learning opportunity for other students. 

Roosevelt Elementary Principal Patsy Gore pushed forward with the plan and was able to purchase14 violins with money raised from the school ice cream machine profits and the local Parent Teacher Organzition.Those violins were bought in pure faith that a teacher and a program would be forthcoming. 

After some searching, Gore found Holden, a Chouteau resident, who plays in a local bluegrass band and has two daughters who play the violin. He initially thought it would be a short-term gig. "I thought I would be involved temporarily, but that never happened," Holden said. "I have been doing this for about four years now." 

Holden was later asked to start a similar program in Choteau. That program debuted in Sept. 2006 and has about 14 members. He said both groups perform two to four times a month in Mayes County and other Oklahoma locations. The group also has its own website at www.okfiddlers.com <http://www.okfiddlers.com/> . Holden said he plans to have additional classes at both Roosevelt Elementary and Chouteau in the near future.  

Rep. Ben Sherrer, D-Chouteau, praised the after-school music program. "This is such an invaluable teaching tool," Sherrer said. "Students are learning more than just music through this program. "They are learning about determination and dedication as well as self-esteem and self-confidence."