Music has a unique ability to bring us together by sharing stories that resonate with everyone. This year, the featured book for the Carson Scholars Fund’s 19th Annual National Day of Reading, The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson, did just that, uniting us through a narrative we can all understand and appreciate.

The story is based on an actual event that took place in a Washington, DC subway station. Joshua Bell, a famous classical violinist, gave a free 45-minute concert dressed as a street performer. Only seven people stopped to listen, mostly children, while everyone else rushed by. The story’s plot highlights the importance of pausing to appreciate the arts that enrich our everyday lives.

We were thrilled to see the different ways schools embraced the celebration and found pleasure in the story. Most celebrations began with a special prerecorded greeting from Dr. Ben and Mrs. Candy Carson. Candy Carson, an accomplished violinist, shared how music has been an important part of her life, including majoring in it at Yale University.

Many of our school partners showcased their love for reading this year. Maxfield Elementary School in Gorman, TX doubled their fun by celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their reading room and National Day of Reading all in one day! Sondra Brudnak, reading room sponsor and volunteer, played her violin for the students as she once did in 1997, accompanying Joshua Bell in the Dallas Symphony’s European Tour. The school also had a cake in honor of their reading room’s anniversary, read the story and provided cookies for the kids to enjoy!

The music didn’t stop there! At the Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, a young musician from the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra played the violin for students while a guest read the book aloud. In Capitol Heights, MD, John H. Bayne Elementary School, whose reading room is still under construction, featured a professional violinist performing for their students. Meanwhile, at Wellwood International School in Pikesville, MD, Councilman Israel “Izzy” Patoka visited as a special guest to read the story aloud, and a student played the violin for their classmates and educators, making it a meaningful celebration of both music and literacy. We are grateful for Councilman Patoka’s time and involvement in this special event.

At Bonsall West Elementary in Oceanside, CA, the school participated in a no-sign-in day at their reading room, allowing students to drop in and enjoy a narration of The Man with the Violin. Wolfsville Elementary School in Myersville, MD, also joined the celebration, with Mrs. Marlene Young, sponsor of their reading room and school alumna, reading the book to the students. At Ensley Elementary in Pensacola, FL, another reading room sponsor, Mrs. Pam Fleming, read the story to the students, with her husband closing the event with heartfelt remarks. This was especially uplifting, as it marked the second consecutive year the Flemings dedicated time to spend National Day of Reading with the Ensley Elementary School students.

Additionally, a few members of the CSF team had the opportunity to serve as guest readers. On November 20, 2024, three staff members read The Man with the Violin to students at Meadowvale Elementary School in Havre de Grace, MD. Our staff read to students from Pre-k all the way to 5th grade. No matter the age, the children had insightful questions about the story. Our team is exceptionally grateful for the opportunity to connect with the wonderful staff and students at this school, and to visit their Ben Carson Reading Room!

The CSF was absolutely astonished by the enthusiasm and dedication shown by students, educators and special guests during this year’s National Day of Reading. We are honored to have such incredible school partners and are proud to celebrate the power of literacy with them. This event reminds us that, no matter where we are, the joy of reading and the magic of music can bring us together.

View photos of the fun here