Discovering Strings and
Orchestra, an ASTA project supported by a
grant from NAMM, is designed to encourage young students to participate
in string and orchestra programs in their schools and communities. The
program partners youth groups, with a focus on students in grades one
through three, with volunteer string clinicians in a five-session
workshop. ASTA has created several media pieces and templates to help
string clinicians engage the students.
Are you a youth group leader who wants to get your group
involved? ASTA will partner your youth group with a
local string clinician to bring string music to the kids. We'll provide
all the necessary materials—you provide eager
learners! Groups must participate in at least three of the
sessions, although some sessions may be combined.
Are you interested in serving as a volunteer
clinician? Volunteer clinicians work with youth groups in their area
to engage young students in string programs. The clinicians are
responsible for leading the sessions and coordinating details with the
youth group leaders. This is an opportunity to make a substantial
difference in students' lives.
Discovering Strings and Orchestras
offers youth groups five sessions to get students in grades one through
three interested in string music.
Session One: Introduction to Strings
This session
will get students interested in string music. The string clinician will
begin with a presentation that includes a brief demonstration by the
clinician, a DVD that introduces string instruments and shows students
performing, and an instrument petting zoo to allow the students to
become familiar with different instruments. The clinician will leave
behind activity workbooks for each of the students.
Session Two: Strings and Academics
This session
will demonstrate how strings relate to other core academic subjects.
ASTA has created lesson plans that relate strings to math, history,
world culture, and science. Youth groups are given the opportunity to
select the topic that most interests them.
Session Three: Group Lesson
This session
will offer youth groups the chance to play at least one instrument.
Students will pluck open strings and learn to play-along to a simple
tune.
Session Four: Field Trip
This session
is a field trip to an instrument shop that repairs or makes instruments
on site. This will offer students a chance to try out additional
instruments.
Session Five: Field Trip
This session
is a field trip to a string music performance. This session may be a
public performance or a private performance for the youth group. The
clinician will offer the students help in locating private teachers if
they are too young for school programs. For communities without string
programs, the clinician will help the students advocate for music
programs.
