Hosted by Clarke and Oconee County School Districts
Sponsored by AthFest Educates, a 21st Century Federal Grant, Clarke County School District, and Ron Sachs Violins

Dr. Skip Taylor, Director
Ruth Monson, Co-Director

A program for beginning students 2nd through 5th grade and continuing students through 8th grade.

Mission Statement

1. To provide affordable string education for young students in the greater Athens area by:

~ giving them an outlet for musical expression on an orchestral string instrument in a structured group environment.

~ preparing them to become leaders in their middle school and high school orchestra programs.

2. To provide UGA string majors with an opportunity to gain teaching experience under faculty supervision in preparation for private and public school teaching.

What to Expect

String Project students meet twice each week in a mixed-instrument ensemble (including violin, viola, cello, and string bass) where they learn the basics of playing their chosen instrument. Students are assigned to ensembles based on the number of years they have been studying. Classes are taught by UGA music majors, and are supervised by UGA faculty and/or graduate students. Several teachers are assigned to each class. The curriculum is similar to what you would find in a public or private school string program.

There are two twelve-week semesters each year with a culminating concert each semester featuring all String Project students from both county school sites performing in the acclaimed Hodgson Hall on the University of Georgia campus. There may be opportunities for chamber music, private lessons, or small group classes in the summer.

Students are expected to practice outside of class in order to progress on their instrument; 15 minutes/day for the first semester increasing to 30 minutes or more as they continue.

Private instruction is recommended for students needing individual attention and for those wishing to attain higher levels of proficiency on their instrument. String Project students can register for an entire semester of private lessons in the Community Music School and receive the equivalent of String Project tuition off the lesson tuition = $100 discount!!

String Project and the Boys and Girls Club

Through a 21st Century Federal Grant, The UGA String Project has also expanded into the Clarke County Boys and Girls Club to provide string instruction for students who cannot afford the minimum cost involved. Through a generous donation by AthFest Educates, students are provided with an appropriate sized instrument to participate. Currently, the UGA String Project is providing classes twice a week at H.T. Edwards and Joel E Smilow Boys and Girls Club in Athens, Georgia.