Press Release
March 19, 2025
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3D-printed violin at UMS inspires community support
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A recent donation from Aaron’s Rent-to-Own in Vernal is expected to help the Uintah Schools Foundation put more violins in the hands of Uintah School District music students.
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Aaron’s general manger 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 Feb. 24.
“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.”
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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.
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“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 (USF) to help fund the production of more 3D printed violins.
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USF President Heidi Bennion said the nonprofit organization is excited to support the effort to put musical instruments in the hands of more Uintah School District students.
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“This collaboration between music and science teachers led to the creation of functional, affordable violins that could increase access to music education in our district,” Bennion said. “The foundation is proud of the innovative thinking of our teachers and is grateful for those who support public education, like Spencer Weaver and Aaron’s Rent-to-Own.”
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ABOUT THE UINTAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
The Uintah Schools Foundation was started in 1982 by unknown community members to support students in the Uintah School District. After 4 years with little progress, another group of individuals gathered to make the Foundation stronger. Since 1986, the Foundation has been continually striving to meets its original goals and adapt to the changing needs of the students and staff in the Uintah School District. There have been 20 presidents and hundreds of trustees/directors over the years, funding hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants within the district. Thank you to the original people who had a vision and the many others who followed that kept that vision in focus.
PHOTO CAPTION: Aaron’s Rent to Own general manager Spencer Weaver presented the Uintah Schools Foundation (USF) with a $500 donation at Uintah Middle School on March 13, 2025. The money will be used to 3D print violins for middle school students. Pictured from left: USF non-voting director Jim Munford, USF Executive Director Shannon Deets, Aaron’s Rent to Own general manager Spencer Weaver, USF Secretary Erin Massey, Uintah Middle School/Vernal Middle School music teacher Katharine Dresser, UMS science teacher Jason Pierce, UMS Principal Christina Viar-Jolliff, USF President Heidi Bennion, USF non-voting director Robin McClellan, and Aaron’s Lucky Dog mascot. CREDIT: Geoff Liesik, Uintah School District