LSO Expands Free Violin Lessons Program to Holmen Boys & Girls Club

More young musicians will soon have the opportunity to discover the joy of making music! The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce that our Free Violin Lessons Program is expanding to the Holmen Boys & Girls

 Club in January 2027.

Made possible by a generous $10,000 grant from the La Crosse Area Community Foundation and sustained through the David and Barbara Skogen Endowment, this expansion will bring hands-on music education to even more children in the Coulee Region, all at no cost to families.

 

Making Music Accessible to More Children

At the LSO, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience music, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

Through our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Free Violin Lessons Program introduces children to the world of music in a welcoming, supportive environment. Students have the opportunity to learn an instrument, develop new skills, build confidence, and discover the excitement of creating music together.

With the addition of the Holmen location, we're able to reach more young musicians and bring these experiences closer to home for families in our community.

More Than Just Violin Lessons

 

 

Learning to play the violin is just the beginning! Throughout the program, students will also have opportunities to connect with professional musicians and experience live orchestral music.

Some of the special experiences planned for participating students include:

• Pizza Party: A fun opportunity to celebrate and connect with fellow young musicians.
• Behind-the-Scenes Symphony Experience: Attend an LSO rehearsal in March and see how a professional orchestra prepares for a concert.
• Meet a Rising Star: Enjoy a special meet-and-greet with a winner of the Richard Weber Rising Stars Concerto Competition.
• A Night at the Symphony: Receive free tickets for students and their families to attend the LSO's March 13, 2027, concert, Rising Stars & The Firebird Suite.
• End-of-Year Recital: Students will have the option to share what they've learned during a recital in May.

These experiences help students see where their musical journey can take them, from learning their first notes to watching professional musicians perform on stage.

Growing Through Community Support

 

Programs like this are possible because of the generosity of individuals and organizations who believe in the importance of making music education accessible to every child.

We're incredibly grateful to the La Crosse Area Community Foundation for its $10,000 grant, which is helping us bring the Free Violin Lessons Program to more children in our community.

Just as important is the lasting support of the David and Barbara Skogen Endowment, which helps sustain the program and ensures that opportunities to learn and experience music can continue for young musicians in our community.

We're looking forward to welcoming a new group of young musicians in Holmen this January and seeing the creativity, friendships, and love of music that grow along the way.

Here's to more music, more opportunities, and the next generation of musicians!