Two band parents are coordinating with Norwin music department teachers to make sure Norwin musicians live - and play - up to their potential.
Paula and Mike Ziemski, in conjunction with high school band director Robert Traugh and the district's music department, are coordinating the "Play It Forward" fund, an assistance program for Norwin musicians to be able to take private music instruction or attend summer music camps.
Paula Ziemski said a wide range of extracurricular activities and a low budget might deter musicians.
"Students are pulled in so many different directions these days about what activities to participate in and resources are limited," she said. "Norwin leaders are really big supporters of the arts, but there is a limit somewhere."
Fund organizers believe one such limit is subsidies for private music instruction.
The fund first targets fifth graders in financial need. Organizers hope for those students to eventually "play it forward" through financial contributions or future music lessons to other students.
Fifth through twelfth grade musicians are eligible for the subsidies.
Students can get applications from their music directors - Hillcrest Intermediate director Devon Lippman; middle school director Denise Bilott; or Traugh - and eligibility will be determined through three phases: 'showing up' for music lessons, 'stepping up' and committing to practice and 'stepping out,' sharing music with others.
Traugh said students could apply as soon as things are in place.
"As soon as we are up and running and have a stable amount of money within the scholarship fund, we will start asking students to apply for money," Traugh said.
School music directors will follow a similar approach with private music instructors.
"Hopefully this will give them the incentive to stay in the program," Paula Ziemski said.
Traugh called the fund a great idea. "(The fund) really opens up an opportunity for all band students at Norwin," he said. "If they are interested, the door is open."
Neither the Norwin School District curriculum nor the band directors require music students to take private lessons.
The Ziemskis, who first saw the band perform in 1982, are the parents of one band alumnus - Class of 2007 percussionist Jordan - and one current member - junior flautist Maura. Mike Ziemski said private lessons enriched their children and hopes to see the lessons help others.
"Seeing that kind of improvement, you say 'Why can't everybody do this?' " Ziemski said.
His wife agreed. "(The lessons) improve their confidence, their self-esteem, and I think when one person takes lessons, it makes the whole group improve," she said.
Half of the 125-member Norwin Band take private lessons.
As a Kiski Area High School student, Traugh remembers driving outside the district for his private lessons and thinks that deters some students from doing the same.
Besides providing private lesson assistance, organizers also hope to arrange that funds would allow students to go to summer music camps, such as one at Penn State University in State College or the Music For All Summer Symposium in Normal, Ill.
"If we would be able to afford to send even five students, then they can come back and teach the others what they learned," Paula Ziemski said.
Traugh said he talks with the Ziemskis often to try and finalize the fund logistics.
"We are trying to get the ball rolling as fast as we can so students have the opportunity to benefit as soon as possible," Traugh said.
Before the Westmoreland County Community Foundation gets the minimum fund balance to house the fund, organizers will hold fundraisers. The first will be at a coffeehouse event on April 30 at Shafton Volunteer fire hall, where students and instructors will perform.
Hazuza's Greenhouse Winery will offer wine sales and tasting.
Mike Ziemski said he hopes the community supports the band, both financially and by being involved.
"Hopefully the community and alumni will support the fund with financial contributions (at the coffeehouse), but we are really looking to get the community involved and showcase the band students," he said.
Tickets for the event are $25 each with an eight-person table costing $175. There are 225 available tickets.
Sponsorships are still being accepted, with all proceeds benefiting the 'Play it Forward' fund.
Interested students should speak with their school band director. For those interested in contributing to the fund or help with fundraisers, contact Paula and Mike Ziemski at 724-515-4858. Information is also available at the fund's Web site at www.norwinplayitforwardfund.com .
