Starter Strings Program

Please watch this site or call the SVYS office for information on this year's Starter Strings programs. Informational visits will be made to participating schools and sign-up will take place at those events. Starter Strings programs will be offered at several elementary schools in the Springfield Area. If you would like a Starter Strings program in your school, you can help by contacting SVYS.

About the Program

Starter Strings offers beginning string instruction to students in grades 3-6.

Students will be introduced to a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, and bass) by professional music teachers in a fun and caring atmosphere. Starter Strings lays the foundation for further musical instruction with private teachers, the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony, or other musical groups.

Group lessons are conducted once a week for one hour.

The Starter Strings program runs during the academic year from September to May.

What Students Will Learn

Section 1
Meet Your Instrument		 Section 2
Using the Bow		 Section 3
Adding Fingers		 Section 4
Putting it All Together
Students learn the parts of their instrument, how to hold it, how to pluck open strings, and how to properly care for it. Students will establish a practice schedule. Students learn how to hold their bow, how to bow each string, and play with a variety of simple rhythms. Students learn how to place and remove their left hand fingers to play additional pitches. Students develop their repertoire with simple pieces and scales. They will have the opportunity to perform at a Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony concert.

Musical Training Benefits

Learning to play an instrument opens up a whole new world of friendship and fun. Students will be able to take advantage of music with the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony later on in their musical training. The opportunities for playing a stringed instrument after high school are abundant, with many universities offering scholarships for orchestra participation.

Orchestra provides a great foundation in all aspects of life. In addition to music, students learn self-discipline, group cooperation, problem solving, goal setting, self-expression, memory skills, concentration, poise, enhanced physical coordination, higher self-esteem, and the importance of teamwork skills for everyday life.

Like all the arts, music has a profound effect on the academic success of students as well.

Cost

Tuition: $100 per year

Book and Music Stand: $18

Instrument: Bring your own, or there are various rental plans which average $39 for 90 days. We can help you find sources to purchase inexpensive instruments.

For More Information, Contact:

Richard Haglund, Music Director, Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony: 753-8000 or richardhaglund@netscape.net
Ann Kramer, Business Manager: 498-7304 or kramer3688@yahoo.com
Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony, 420 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 753-8000
Thank you for visiting the SVYS site. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the orchestra manager.
Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony, 420 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62701-1808 (217) 753-8000