About the Smiling Strings Program
Smiling Strings currently serves 9 schools and is in its 13th year of operation. Over the years, the program has attained a reputation for providing high quality music instruction for Chicago's North Side on all stringed instruments. Your student has the opportunity to select whether they'd like to play the violin (most popular), viola, cello or string bass. Instruction is offered twice a week (30 min.) in a small group setting. The tuition is comparable, often lower, than other options in the surrounding area.
Besides the director, Deborah Grimes, there are currently four other teachers, music education majors with strings as their primary instrument and all covered by a million dollar liability policy. In the beginning, there is a lot of focus on technique and performing Suzuki repertoire. By the second year (depending on age) most students then supplement their instruction with note-reading methodology such as "Essential Elements for Strings". Within the 2nd or 3rd year, all students are participating in some kind of performing ensemble.
Serving both public and private schools, Smiling Strings orchestras continue to receive "Superior" ratings at the CPS Elementary Music Festivals. Ms. Grimes also guest conducts for a number of Archdiocesan musical events and orchestras. Students used to play every year for the Lincoln Park Zoolights Festival until large groups were replaced by wandering minstrel shows. When the program was smaller, there was also a Baroque "Minuet" Festival and "International" Nite concerts. As the program grew in size, Ms. Grimes also branched out and co-founded the Northside Youth Symphony. Though this is a distinct and separate non-profit organization, the majority of string members in this group are part of (or used to participate in) Smiling Strings. It is a wonderful outlet for students wanting a full symphonic orchestral experience.
Feel free to browse thru our website, whether you are a parent or school administrator. We hope to have you on board creating beautiful music very soon!