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A School Orchestra Program provides
beginning, intermediate and advanced classes for students to learn string
instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass). When students get to the 8th
grade level, string students and band students can be combined to form symphonic
orchestras. These orchestras could be at each school, or a citywide youth
orchestra.
School string classes and youth orchestras are growing all over the US. Because
of the growth, there is a major shortage in string teacher certified to
teach in the schools. Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile, Gadsden, Birmingham,
and Decatur are other Alabama cities with youth orchestras and
string classes in the public schools. Tuscaloosa City Schools are proud
that our program began in August 2005. We feel very fortunate to
have our three wonderful teachers. Mr. Timothy Alford, Mrs.
Allison Lavender, Mr. Thomas Furlough, teaching in all of our middle
schools.
Many individuals and businesses in Tuscaloosa
worked together to begin our string program. Led by Dr. Anne Witt, Strings
in Schools Coordinator, we raised the money needed to pay our teachers'
salaries for the first 3 years and to buy instruments and music. Thanks to
a generous Challenge Grant from he Gloria Moody Foundation, we are able to
meet our goal of $385, 000. We are grateful to everyone who helped enrich
the lives of Tuscaloosa
children.
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