New York American String Teachers Association
Zone 9 NEWS!
The Warwick Valley Central School District in
Warwick, NY has just celebrated its 11th year of the orchestra
program in its schools. Two milestones were celebrated this year
with one giant concert at the end of the school year.
When the program first began it was an after school program at
Warwick Valley Middle School under the direction of Keely Gould.
There were 6 students that stayed after school once a week. Two
years later, the program became part of the regular school day, just
like the band program.
Fast forward 11 years and now 421 students are receiving weekly
group lessons and anywhere from one day a week to everyday
rehearsals depending on the grade level. There are now 5
certified string teachers working daily with these students,
including Gould, now at the Warwick Valley High School.
During this past school year, the program was extended to the 4th
grade. That was a request of the string teachers for many years.
Just this past June 9, the district held its annual "String Fling"
concert in the WVHS New Gym. All grade level orchestras
performed a selection or two. During the concert, all the
groups were set up on the floor of the gymnasium so that all 421
students would be able to see and hear each of the performances.
All parents and other audience members were able to see and hear
each of the groups as well.
Over the years since the "String Fling" concerts have been held,
many students have commented on how the concert is their favorite of
the school year. Many students who had been on the fence about
continuing to play a stringed instrument have continued to stay in
the program because it gave them a perspective that they didn't see
in their own grade level group - the future. The older
students enjoy the concert because they can see just how much they
have grown throughout the years in regards to their playing.
Parents enjoy the concert for the reasons the students have stated,
they can see the progression that the students make over the years.
All the string teachers in Warwick hope to continue the traditions
and success of the program and the "String Fling" for many years to
come.
Submitted by Keely Gould - Zone 9 Representative