Johnston Community Education

Course Description:

Come experience the joy of performing in a string orchestra! Open to all playing abilities. Students have the opportunity to begin learning a new instrument or build on their existing skills in a fun and supportive environment. First-time players will experience more small-group or individual lessons and practice time, while more experienced players will begin working on ensemble repertoire.

Attendance is not required at all Orchestra Club dates! Students that cannot make it to both days each week are still welcome to participate!

Parents & family are invited to join us for an end of season concert on Wednesday, April 29. (Time: TBD)

Orchestra Club Open House & Tune Up

• Wednesday, January 7, 4:00-4:30pm
• JMS Band Room, Enter through Door #21
• This is an opportunity for anyone interested in Orchestra Club to meet Kara and Kristin to talk about the program.
• Returning and prospective Orchestra Club members are invited to bring their instruments tuned-up before the first day!

Orchestra Club Parent Meeting Handout (Fall 2025 edition but most of the info still applies!)

See Orchestra Club on WHO Channel 13!

Logistics:

• Students must provide their own instrument (or rent one)
• JMS students must leave the building at the end of the school day and come back for Orchestra Club starting at 4:00pm.
• JMS students should NOT bring instruments to school with them.
• Enter JMS through door #21
• Classes cancelled due to weather will not be made-up.

Instructors:

• Kara Mather has been sharing her love of music with students for 30 years, teaching violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano, conducting youth and community orchestras, performing violin/viola in local orchestras, and teaching high school and elementary orchestra programs. She enjoys helping students grow their skills and confidence, whether they are just starting out or preparing for advanced performances. She has a B.S. in Music Education and an M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning.
• Kristin Sullivan has been playing the violin for over 30 years and loves passing that joy on to her students. She has taught violin, viola, and elementary music for more than a decade and is excited to inspire young musicians in the orchestra club. Kristin has a B.A. in Music (violin) and a B.S. in Materials Engineering. She substitute teaches for JCSD, teaches piano lessons, and coaches a string quartet!