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 Monday, December 14. (Time: TBD)

New in 2026, Johnston Orchestra Club rehersals will be organized into two sections:

• Beginner (Level 1) students will only attend the first hour, 4:00-5:00pm
• Experienced (Level 2) players will have the OPTION to attend the Level 1 rehersal as a mentor and then play in the Level 2 rehersal, 5:00-6:00pm
• Students should all register together in one roster, answer the registration questions regarding their intentions, and know that the instructors may suggest placement of students after the first few rehersals and as the season progresses. 

  Johnston Orchestra Club Meet & Greet!  

• Get ready for the upcoming semester! Join instructors Kara Mather and Kristin Sullivan for our annual Meet & Greet and Instrument Tune-Up.
• Wednesday, August 26th
• 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• JMS Band Room (Enter Door 21)
• What to do: Register, grab your semester info sheets, get an instrument sizing check, and bring your instrument for a quick tune-up. See you there!

See Orchestra Club on WHO Channel 13!

Logistics:

• Students must provide their own instrument (or rent one). A limited inventory of gently used instruments may be available! Contact the instructors for more information.
  • Kara.Mather@gmail.com or kristinjsullivan@gmail.com
• Financial assistance may be available for those in need. Visit johnstoncsd.org/commed for more info and to submit an application form.
• Classes cancelled due to weather will not be made-up.
• Enter JMS through door #21.
• JMS students should NOT bring instruments to school with them.
• JMS students must leave the building at the end of the school day and come back for Orchestra Club.

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!