Suzuki Strings & Secondary Orchestra
Suzuki Strings & Secondary Orchestra are special opportunities offered to students through HEB ISD’s Schools of Choice program. In selected elementary schools, students have the opportunity to play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass using the internationally renowned Suzuki method. After elementary, students continue to study and perform in award-winning orchestral programs at the junior high and high school levels.
Suzuki Strings is currently offered at the following elementary schools: Bellaire, Hurst Hills, Lakewood, North Euless, River Trails, Shady Brook, South Euless, Spring Garden, Viridian, and Wilshire. Orchestra programs are currently offered at Central Junior High and L.D. Bell High School.
For more information about applying for Suzuki Strings & Secondary Orchestra, visit the HEB ISD Transfers webpage…
About the Suzuki Method
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki created the Suzuki Method of teaching students to play string instruments. Research shows that playing a string instrument can positively affect students’ abilities in core subjects, such as math, science and reading.
The Suzuki Method develops the whole child and provides lifelong skills, such as listening, observation, memorization, and concentration. Students learn discipline and focus, and they gain self-confidence, all of which can be applied throughout life.
Suzuki Strings in HEB ISD
HEB ISD students in Suzuki Strings attend one weekly private lesson during school and one weekly group class outside of school hours. A parent or other adult must attend the private lesson with their student. Although tuition is free, families will supply the instrument, music books, and other various supplies needed for appropriate instruction.
There are many opportunities for performances, including school recitals, PTA meetings, community performances and the annual Suzuki Strings Spring Festival. The K-6 Suzuki Strings program provides the foundation for the district’s secondary orchestra program, cultivating the full intellectual and individual potential of each student. HEB ISD elementary students who demonstrate adequate proficiency may participate in the Reading Academy, Concert Orchestra, Honor Orchestra and Fine Tuners ensembles. HEB ISD is proud to offer Suzuki Strings as the foundation of our comprehensive K-12 orchestral strings program, making us Different by Design.
HEB ISD Elementary Orchestras
HEB ISD is proud to share three levels of Elementary Orchestras for our Suzuki students.
HEB ISD Reading Academy is for our beginning reading students with ages ranging from 2nd-6th grade. Mrs. Serdar and Mrs. Truex co-direct this ensemble. Reading Academy meets 4 times per semester. Students in this ensemble perform one piece in the fall Elementary Orchestra concert and one piece at the HEB ISD Suzuki Spring Festival.
Elementary Concert Orchestra (ECO) is HEB Suzuki students’ first auditioned orchestra experience. Students prepare and perform an excerpt as well as a polished piece for this ensemble. It is directed by Mrs. Tara Truex. Students in this ensemble are intermediate readers and perform 2-3 pieces per concert, per year. These students are in grades 3-6 and have previously participated in Reading Academy. Rehearsals are once per week for 45 minutes.
Lindsay Serdar and Stacy Garner are the current Directors of the Elementary Honor Orchestra. The Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Elementary Honor Orchestra (EHO) is comprised of 4th, 5th and 6th grade string players. Mrs. Serdar is a Suzuki Strings teacher at North Euless Elementary and Ms. Garner is a Suzuki Strings teacher at South Euless Elementary. Members are selected by audition and are required to be a member of the HEB ISD Suzuki Program or studying privately within HEB. The group rehearses for one hour after school each week at Central JH to prepare for the numerous concerts given throughout the year. Through their training and hard work at rehearsals the students will learn correct rehearsal procedures; to read music more easily; both to work as a team and to be a leader; to polish pieces for performances; and to present polished performances for competition as one of the only Elementary String Orchestras in the state of Texas.