Building an Orchestra
Symphonies of Hope– Choirs of Faith
A dusty dirt road, kids passing time on the street, the
chaotic noise of neighborhood life… as a mission team
that is what we start with.  The most critical ingredients
are participants that are willing to accept commitment
and willing to put God at the center of what they do.  
When we first meet with people in a neighborhood we
explain to them that the orchestra or choir being formed
will have a foundation of these principles will be a
guiding light to everything that the orchestra or choir
does.  Some of these principles include; to follow  the
ways of Jesus; to serve others in love; to do all that
they can with what they already have; to value respect,
honor, obedience, self-discipline and self control; to
avoid the promotion of alcohol.  We teach them that as
they make decisions the respect and honor they receive
from others will either increase or decrease.  We clarify
that on practice evenings we will include films and small
presentations teaching about God’s ways.  We
explain that we will be singing hymns, saying a prayer,
and memorizing some verses.  We make it known that we
are not out to promote any particular church but that
we  desire to encourage them to learn and think about
Jesus and what He has done for them.

Having laid this foundation, we issue a half yardstick
and a stick to each participant.  These are the tools
they will use to learn how to position their fingers and
handle a bow.  They will practice in this manner for 3
weeks before they will touch a real violin.  We
encourage them to welcome newcomers, but all new
participants need to pass the same steps.  As time
passes—4 weeks or more, it becomes clear which
students are practicing and have a strong desire to
learn.  These students are designated teachers of
those who have troubles.  If a student has a good
attitude—we don’t want them excluded—no matter what
their level of ability or economic status.  One of the
most inspiring things for us to see is the older more
capable students working hand in hand with those who
are younger or less able.  They learn to do this on a
routine basis and it is really neat to see.

And so the orchestra begins—rhythm exercises, note
reading exercises, their first tune, their second…and so
on. Each song has its own Bible verse assigned to it
and when the child can say the verse and explain what
the verse means and play the song without errors he
receives a special award button to acknowledge his
progress.

The next hurdle is violins and community support.  We
loan them our violins to start but there are never
enough.  Where many parents earn only $3-$10 per
day coming up with the funds to buy a violin for each
student is not easy.  When the mission team leaves
there may be only 2 violins for 12 good beginning
players. The fledgling orchestra is encouraged to give
simple concerts wherever they can—especially in places
where they can perhaps lift the spirits of those who are
suffering in some way.  

Not long ago one of these small orchestras played for
a man with a terminal bone disease.  They only knew
the first and second song from their Suzuki violin book,
but he was very much moved and wanted us to return.  
In many places it is a rare sight to see children or
adults come together in this way.  As the children met
him, they were becoming more aware of a world of
people around them that are suffering—it was a very
special and memorable day.  The little orchestra—only
3 months old—was already being used by God to
create works of great beauty!

“The little
orchestra—only 3
months old—was
already being
used by God to
create works of
great  beauty!”
Symphonies of Hope
P.O. Box 1061, Pharr, TX  78577
In the U.S. :  608 -  313 - HOPE
Message phone in U.S. :  956-781-5133
Email: chriscoleen@symphoniesofhope.org
Email: chriscoleen@choirsoffaith.org
Symphonies of Hope
ChoirsOfFaith.Org

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Orchestras & Choirs Serving in God's Love
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