Potter Violin Fosters Sense of Community, Sharing Among Music Educators and Students

L. Dalton Potter

Giving back to music teachers and students makes sense to L. Dalton Potter, the chief executive officer of The Potter Violin Company of Bethesda, Maryland. Trained as a classical guitarist, he employs a number of string musicians who are able to discuss both musical performance and instrument repair with ease.

He said his store is a gathering place, "almost like a general store," where musicians and music teachers gather to discuss music and exchange tips.

"Over the years I have never found a shortage of school systems that need help. Sometimes it is teachers who need resources, whether sheet music or strings; sometimes it is a school system. We don't throw anything away, because we know somewhere, someone can use it," Potter said.

Pottter  (back row, far right) poses with the orchestra from Monocacy Valley Montessori Public Charter School in Frederick, Maryland.

There are a number of ways Potter, whose company is an MENC corporate member, has demonstrated his support of music education.

• In fall 2008 he sponsored "the Back to School Music Giveaway Contest." School music programs at Chevy Chase (Maryland) Elementary School, Farquhar Middle School in Olney, Maryland, and Monocacy Valley Montesssori Public Charter School in Frederick, Maryland, won new sheet music valued at more than $4,500.
• Potter travels around the country, lecturing string teachers and college level music education students on the ins and outs of instrument repair, from cutting bridges to re-gluing necks. "Schools don't have the resources to do this. Money is tight, so I like to show teachers what they can do themselves."

An alumnus of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, Potter said, "We have a longstanding commitment to music education, not only in our area but throughout the United States, and we are pleased to give back to those who embrace music in our schools."
 

 --Roz Fehr, May 7, 2009. © MENC: The National Association for Music Education