JEMS students enjoy being a part of new strings program

If you stroll down the third floor halls of Jordan-Elbridge Middle School after school, you’re bound the hear the sounds of violins, cellos and violas. For the first time, the school has launched a strings program for students in grades 6-8. The new after-school program includes about 35 students.

Music teacher Andrea Love said the program was partly made possible through an Arts in Education grant, which allowed the district to purchase the string instruments.

Although most of the students are just learning to play their instruments, the new string orchestra plans to play short pieces at the December middle school concert and others in the spring.

“Many famous pieces of music, as well as music from around the world incorporate the string instruments,” Love said.

“It makes sense to me that offering them in school broadens our student’s horizons and adds to our already strong music program.

“Also, a nice part is since it's an after-school program, students who are already in band can participate.”

Love said the community has been very supportive of the program and the students are enjoying themselves.

Dakota Hand says it’s fun learning different songs and being part of the group.

“I think this is a great use of our time. Playing the viola was hard at first, but once I got the hang of it, it became super fun,” she said.