The Uintah Schools Foundation announced in a press release this week that a recent donation from Aaron’s Rent-to-Own in Vernal is expected to help the Foundation put more violins in the hands of Uintah School District music students. Aaron’s general manager Spencer Weaver was inspired to support the foundation with a $500 donation after learning that Uintah Middle School teachers had begun using a 3D printer to make violins. Weaver saw one of the violins in use during a concert at UMS on February 24th. “While I was on stage, I explained that we were working to develop 3D printed violins to lower the cost for our students,” said Katharine Dresser, who teaches music at Uintah and Vernal middle schools. “Spencer happened to be in the audience and asked me for more details after the concert.” Dresser started exploring the idea of 3D printing violins because the cost of the least expensive, sufficiently functioning wooden violin is about $180. That doesn’t include a bow or a case. The cost can be an obstacle for some students who might otherwise be interested in learning to play. So, Dresser brought her 3D printing idea to UMS science teacher Jason Pierce, who said he “went down a YouTube rabbit hole for a few days” learning how to turn the concept into a reality. “It costs $50 to 3D print a violin,” said Pierce, who got Uintah School District Arts Coordinator Jim Munford involved in the project as well. Munford helped Dresser and Pierce apply for a grant from the Uintah Schools Foundation to help fund the production of more 3D printed violins.
