Suzuki Strings & Elementary Orchestras

Suzuki Strings & Secondary Orchestra are special opportunities offered to students through the HEBISD 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

According to Wikipedia:

The Suzuki Method was conceived in the mid-20th century by Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violin salesman. Suzuki noticed that children pick up their native language quickly, whereas adults consider even dialects of their own language difficult to learn. He reasoned that if children have the skill to acquire their native language, they might have the ability to become proficient on a musical instrument. Suzuki decided to develop a teaching method after a conversation with Leonor Michaelis, who was Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Nagoya.

Suzuki pioneered the idea that a preschool age child could learn to play the violin if the learning steps were small enough and the instrument was scaled down to fit their body. He modeled his method, which he called "Talent Education" (才能教育, sainō kyōiku), after his theories of natural language acquisition. Suzuki believed that every child, if properly taught, was capable of a high level of musical achievement. He also made it clear that the goal of such musical education was to raise generations of children with "noble hearts"[3] as opposed to creating famous musical prodigies.

Our approach in HEBISD

Students attend one weekly private lesson during school and one weekly group class before or after school. A parent or other adult must attend the private lesson.

Solo and group performances happen throughout the year: at school recitals, our annual Fall Festival, Kaleidoscope Graduation Ceremony, community performances, and the annual Spring Festival. Students who demonstrate adequate proficiency may also participate in our elementary orchestras: Reading Academy, Concert Orchestra, and Elementary Honor Orchestra. Our Fine Tuners ensembles collect the most excellent students by instrument from across the district for weekly small group enrichment and performance.