The Violins for Douglass Program is an annual event organized by FDMHA to promote youth interest in and mastery of violins.
Frederick Douglass with his musician grandson Joseph Douglass, 1894.
Frederick Douglass and his grandson Joseph
Frederick Douglass excelled at many things, including playing the violin. While traveling in Ireland, he fell in love with Irish music, purchased a violin and taught himself to play. When his grandson Joseph showed interest in the instrument, Frederick Douglass was delighted and trained Joseph to become an accomplished concert violinist. Joseph performed twice at the White House and was the first black violinist to make recordings for the Victor Talking Machine Company.
The Violins for Douglass Program celebrates Frederick Douglass’ musical talent and aims to promote music talent, especially mastery of violins among the youth.
Program Features
Scholarships
FDMHA partners with music schools and other institutions/organizations to identify young people with musical talent. FDMHA reaches out to such young people and awards needs-based scholarships to deserving students enrolled in a school or music program in the greater Washington, DC area (Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia). To apply for the Violins for Douglass Scholarship please contact us at info@frederickdouglassmha.org.
Children participating in the Violins Petting Zoo during the 2014 Violins for Douglass event
Violin Musical Petting Zoo
Youth participating in the Violins Petting Zoo.
The Violin Musical Petting Zoo is a fun, informative and hands-on activity that enables young people to touch and play with the violin under close supervision. This activity is very popular with children and youth who attend the Violins 4 Douglass event.
Musical Performances
Professional violinists as well as up and coming talents have entertained the audience with their mastery of the violin. Artists from the Purnell Music Studio, Prince Georges County Philharmonic Kids Symphony, Eboni Strings, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and esteemed violinist such as Lovancy Ingram, Holsey Kevin Gillis, Kathleen Thomas, Tanya Murphy have performed.
