It may not be the best of times for the school's string and orchestra programs, but things certainly are looking up. This article focuses on a recent report which cites the numerous positives, including an increase in the number of districts offering strings classes, a greater variety in the racial mix of strings students, and a less drastic dearth of certified teachers than existed seven years ago. The new report, "The Status of Strings and Orchestra Programs in United States schools," includes responses from 794 string and orchestra teachers in 2009. The study determined that the profession would need an influx of 3,000 teachers between 2010 and 2013. This compares with a similar 2002 study that found a national shortage of 5,000 teachers over a five-year period. The report also shows growth in the number of school districts offering string instruction. The percentage increased from 18% of districts in 1997 to 29% in 2009. Additionally, the racial composition of strings students has morphed since 2002 to the point where classes roughly reflect the general population.