A Program in Two Segments

• Violin Repair

• Non Profit Management 

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The mission of StringWizards is to assist orchestral and ensemble music programs serving income disadvantaged populations by specifically addressing instrument procurement and maintenance.  Orchestral music is not available in Chicago public schools because of cost obstacles among several others. Taken as a whole, our parts and labor contributions and our no-fee lease program annually provide over $20,000 in savings to St. Ignatius and our other client orchestras.   

 

Sadly, I had a conversation once with a poorly informed faculty member refer to our program as tinkering.  We are not something like an after-school bicycle repair club only with violins.  Correcting her information gap is one reason why I spend time with this website. 

 

StringWizards, Inc (EIN 85-3208251) is are a fully accredited Illinois state Non Profit Corporation.  Seventy percent of the instruments in our 200 plus donated inventory are by design in need of repair, so it is difficult to assess value to that inventory segment. We also have a significant array of precision tools, clamps, power equipment, violin parts and shop furnishings some of which are on loan to us.  StringWizards has a has a five figure business account with Fidelity Investments.  Investment management and financial literacy are also program leaning goals.    

 

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ENGAGED LEARNING

Instrument repair or non-profit management are unique, powerful examples of engaged learning for a young person with practical, life-long value to personal resumes.    

  

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