Strings Progam at Blake

The addition of a strings program in 2002 provided significant enhancement of Blake's arts curriculum. Strings instruction addresses a child's development of physical coordination, memory skill, attention span, auditory comprehension, artistic expression, creativity and team work. In Lower School violin and cello instruction is offered. Violin, viola, cello and bass are taught in the Middle School and Upper School.

As part of the music program, strings instruction exemplifies Blake's mission of "challenging the mind, engaging the heart." From their very first lesson, students work on complex coordination skills in order to produce clear tone and pitch. They also work to memorize pieces and develop new playing techniques. Once a song is mastered, students are challenged artistically with creative choices. Even very young children enjoy changing parts of songs from loud to soft or modifying articulations.

In the Lower School, students are taught strings in small groups once a week for 30 to 35 minutes. The class size is generally three children. Pre-kindergarten students receive lessons after their school day; kindergarten lessons are offered during the school day; first through fifth grade students have lessons during one of their three general music class periods. First grade through fifth grade students practice with a larger violin or cello ensemble once or twice a month. Fourth and Fifth graders also participate in a note-reading class weekly for 30 minutes. Students perform periodically throughout the year for various audiences.

In Middle School, sixth grade strings students for the first time have class as a large group and are introduced to playing as an orchestra. Small group lessons continue through the sixth grade year. In the seventh and eighth grades, students are placed in an ensemble based upon skill level. At the Upper School, our program emphasizes chamber ensemble music. Upper School Strings students are eligible for regional and state solo and ensemble contests as well as Blake's chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Upper and Middle School Strings students share the stage for two formal concerts each year, and students at each division participate in informal performances on and off campus throughout each year.

The step-by-step instructional approach emphasized in the strings program aids students' individual development. Each student has the opportunity to fully master techniques while exploring the creative endeavor of musical performance. Classes are differentiated for the unique development of the individuals within them, at same time the curriculum is reinforced by students seeing and hearing the same skills applied at different levels.

For more information, or if you have any questions regarding strings at Blake, please contact PK-12 Arts Department Chair, Rie Algeo Gilsdorf at rgilsdorf@blakeschool.org.