MUSCATINE, Iowa —  Fact: According to the Web site, www.academickids.com, young people participating in the arts for at least three hours, three days a week for a year are:

-  Four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.

- Three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools.

- Four times more likely to participate in math and science fairs.

Soon-to-be Muscatine High School freshman Brandon Stephens, 14, has been playing the violin since age 8. He said he prefers to call it a “violin” not a “fiddle,” even though he was the first-place winner at the West Middle School fundraiser Charity: Water last May playing the “fiddle.”

Stephens performed the Charlie Daniels’ song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” decked out in a cowboy hat and plaid flannel shirt.

Moving to Muscatine from Aiken, S.C, just over a year ago, Stephens said he has adjusted to the schools and community.

He was also a Math Counts winner, was Student Council president,  plays soccer, basketball, golf and takes private violin lessons.

Fact: Brandon Stephens proves the statistics true.

Encouraged to love music by his parents, Brent and Dawn Stephens, Brandon initially began taking private piano lessons. Those quickly led him to his interest in playing the violin.

Lately, he’s been practicing a Mozart movement to play for the Quad City Youth Symphony and String Ensemble audition.

“I practice for about an hour each day, but have been practicing a little more lately, because of my audition coming in August,” said Stephens.

He was a member of the youth symphony last year, however, each season the performers go through auditions to ensure their talent is up to qualifications required by music director and conductor Kevin Price.

Musical learning

John Lawrence, West Middle School principal, said he knows the importance of self-expression and cultivating students through musical learning.

“The goal of the arts is to reach beyond the basic security offered by music programs and to make life meaningful,” said Lawrence. “This orchestra challenges students to become in tune with their existence, who they are and what they feel. Through music, they learn to express themselves and this security of self leads to higher self-esteem, which gives students the confidence they need to tackle challenges in life and be successful.”

“Music programs teach kids to think creatively, understand perseverance and the value of teamwork,” said West Middle School Orchestra teacher Jessica Blanchard. She said she hears teens say classical music is cool. Her middle school students are playing Beethoven, Bach and Bernstein and finding a new genre of music to respect and understand.

“I am pleased to be part of the music program here at West,” said Blanchard. “It is growing stronger and we are sending many good musicians into the high school program. “These music students have an average grade-point average of 3.8, and participate in sports and student government. Many are multi-tasking, but still make time for their music.”