In a continued effort to support music education in Bermuda, Allied World Assurance Company (AWAC) and the Bermuda School of Music (BSM) have teamed up to put quality stringed instruments into the hands of deserving students, and students in need of financial assistance.

The purchase of 22 violins and cellos, totalling over $12,000, and ranging in size from one sixteenth to full size, were distributed to Bermuda School of Music students in a special ceremony held at the company's headquarters yesterday.

"This donation provides us with the opportunity to distribute instruments on a yearly basis to students in need of quality instruments, and the variance in sizes means that students of all ages will be able to use the instruments, and we will be able to distribute them for the lifetime of the instruments," Chas Arnold, BSM Suzuki development coordinator, said. "Our string teachers will tell you that a quality instrument is a foundation for excellence in music, and we are thrilled that Allied World will be giving this opportunity to 25 students each year for the life of the instruments,"

During yesterday's award ceremony, students in the BSM's Suzuki violin and cello programmes delighted the audience with a short musical programme.