Strings Project
Strings Project: Orchestra
Whether you're picking up a violin, viola, cello, or double bass for the first time or are ready to continue developing your skills, Strings Project: Orchestra offers a welcoming ensemble experience where students learn, grow, and make music together, in either the Beginner or Intermediate Orchestra.
Students must provide their own violin, viola, cello, or double bass for class and home practice. If obtaining an instrument is the only barrier to participation, please contact our office. We're happy to help connect families with available resources.
Perfect for students with little or no prior experience, the Beginner Orchestra introduces the fundamentals of string playing in a supportive group setting.
Students will:
- Learn proper instrument care, posture, and playing position.
- Develop foundational left-hand and bowing techniques, including pizzicato.
- Build music-reading skills, rhythm, and steady beat.
- Gain confidence while playing with other beginning string musicians.
Designed for students with previous string experience, the Intermediate Ensemble helps young musicians strengthen their technique while developing the collaborative skills of ensemble performance.
Students will:
- Refine bowing, intonation, and overall technique.
- Strengthen music-reading skills, rhythm, and musical expression.
- Build ensemble skills through listening, balance, and coordinated playing.
- Perform increasingly challenging repertoire, including multi-part arrangements and music in a variety of styles.
Who is this class for?
The Beginner Ensemble is ideal for students who:
- Have never played an instrument before or have had limited exposure to music before
- Are ready to learn music
The Intermediate Ensemble is ideal for students who:
- Can confidently play A, D, and G Major scales.
- Are comfortable reading sheet music on their instrument’s clef.
- Are ready to practice independently at home to prepare their parts for weekly rehearsals.
If you are unsure of which level you might be at, please email the instructor, Shannon Crow (scrow@butler.edu).
This program is for students ages 7–13.
Class takes place on Fridays at the following times from September 4–December 12. There will be no class on November 27. There will be a performance on Saturday, December 12.
- Beginning Orchestra from 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
- Intermediate Orchestra from 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Total Tuition Cost: $225 per student
Non-Refundable Deposit:
- A $25 non-refundable deposit per student is required at checkout to secure your spot.
- This deposit will be deducted from the total tuition.
Remaining Balance:
- The remaining balance of $200 is due one week before the program begins.
Shannon M. Crow is a graduate of Butler University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Ms. Crow has been teaching private violin and viola lessons for over 20 years, and has extensive experience teaching students from 4 years to 80 years of age. Currently she conducts Orchestra B and the Parent Orchestra of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, as well as teaches private lessons. At the Butler Community Arts School, Shannon founded and directs the Adult Strings Ensembles, the Butler Children’s Orchestra, Butler Youth Orchestra and Butler Strings Camp, as well as teaches private violin and viola lessons. When not teaching private lessons, Ms. Crow has partnered with the VA in research and in supporting our veterans through music; and is an avid performer in local orchestras and for private events.
The registration deadline is Friday, August 28.