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  • Susan Raguse works with Lauren Breederland, 11, during a violin lesson at Traverse Community Music. The organization is holding a fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 to raise money for scholarships and outreach. Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump

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  • Stanislav Pronin Special to the Record-Eagle

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February 3, 2012

Event to benefit outreach, scholarships

By JODEE TAYLOR jtaylor@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Susan Raguse loves the look on a children's faces the first time they hear a musical instrument.

"It's not unusual for us to play for a group of kids who have not heard a violin," she said.

Raguse, co-founder of Traverse Community Music, hopes to provide scholarships and increase the music school's outreach with a fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Dennos Museum Center. There will be a silent auction, food, music and a cash bar beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 plus fees and include an 8 p.m. concert by violinist Stanislav Pronin.

Reservations are due by Friday, Feb. 10; go to www.dennosmuseum.org or call 995-1553. Money raised will go to the Bay Area Music Foundation, which will administer the funds.

Raguse said budget cuts in the public education mean many students don't get in-depth music education and "music teaches you lifelong skills." She said the commitment to practice everyday builds self-discipline and the performances build self-confidence. Plus, she said, "you've always got your music skills."

Traverse Community Music features instructors in violin, piano, voice, flute, percussion and more. Raguse said about 95 percent of her students are children, beginning at age 3, and the most popular instruments are piano and violin.

Students and teachers from Traverse Community Music often go to other locations to perform or explain their music, which is something Raguse would like to expand. She'd also like to help out with the cost of music lessons, which range from $35 to $50 per hour.

Some Traverse Community Music students and teachers will perform during the Feb. 18 fundraiser.

The violinist performing at 8 p.m., Stanislav Pronin, "is a really nice guy," said Raguse, who has met him at previous Traverse City appearances. He was born in Moscow and grew up in Israel, making his solo debut at age 10. He'll also be performing a concert for students Friday, Feb. 17, 9:30 a.m. Teachers who are interested in bringing their classes should contact Diana Bolander, 995-1029, dbolander@nmc.edu.

Tickets for the concert only are $25 in advance, $28 at the door and $22 for museum members, plus fees. Go to www.dennosmuseum.org or call 995-1553.

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