In East New York, the Sound of Violin Music

Sierra Mitchell, 9, had never held or seen a violin before she started the violin program at Prince Joshua Avitto Community Center. Now, she practices every day when she comes home from school.

“It’s hard and tricky, but when I practice, I make a new sound,” said Sierra, one of the first students in the program. “I like playing ‘Happy Birthday.’”

A violin program is rare in East New York, where one in four residents live below the poverty line — twice the national average.

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