Queen of Angels | Northside Cath. Acad. | St. Matthias | Solomon | Burley | St. Benedict
School Directory
Peterson
Smiling Strings has been operating at Peterson for 13 years! It is one of the "original" schools Ms. Grimes opened up with when the program came into existence. In addition to the regular small group lessons that meet twice a week before school starts, there is also an orchestra. This ensemble competes every year at the Chicago Public Schools Elementary Music Festival and usually receives a "Superior" rating. Only 2 blocks away from Northside College Prep HS, it is easy to also participate in the Northside Youth Symphony which Ms. Grimes directs.
Thorp
Smiling Strings came to Thorp Academy in 1999 and a large, strong program is in place. In addition to the regular small group lessons that meet twice a week right after school, there is also an orchestra. This ensemble competes every year at the Chicago Public Schools Elementary Music Festival and usually receives a "Superior" rating. Thorp Smiling Strings students are heavily represented in the Northside Youth Symphony as well which Ms. Grimes directs.
Hitch
Smiling Strings is beginning its 3rd year at Hitch and the program is still building. It is small but very successful as several students also participate in the Northside Youth Symphony which Ms. Grimes directs. Building a performing orchestra at Hitch is a top priority during the next two school years. Lessons are held before the start of the school day.
Belding
Belding is one of Smiling Strings' newest schools, signing up students for the first time in 2005. We are hoping the second school year will broaden the interest in string education and there are lots of openings for beginners! Building a performing orchestra at Belding is a top priority during the next two school years as well as getting some students involved in the Northside Youth Symphony which Ms. Grimes directs. Lessons are held twice a week before the start of the school day.
Mount Carmel
Smiling Strings has been operating at Mount Carmel for 13 years! It is one of the "original" schools Ms. Grimes opened up with when the program came into existence. Lessons have always been held during the lunch hour/recess time so as not to disrupt any academic instruction. Several students in the past have participated in the Northside Youth Symphony which Ms. Grimes directs and one of the recent graduates even went on to a music major at Lincoln Park HS! Every year, several of the Smiling Strings Catholic schools get together for a joint orchestra concert. This is always a popular and fun event. Advanced students are also given the opportunity to play in the Archdiocese Honor Orchestra which Ms. Grimes has conducted in the past.
St. Hilary
Smiling Strings has been operating at St. Hilary for 11 years now. There is a strong program in place though we are in dire need of viola/cello players! Lessons are held during the school day. Every effort is made to avoid missing core academic subjects. Teachers have been very supportive and helpful in scheduling students at the best possible times for their overall success. Several students in the past have participated in the Northside Youth Symphony which Ms. Grimes directs. Every year, several of the Smiling Strings Catholic schools get together for a joint orchestra concert. This is always a popular and fun event. Advanced students are also given the opportunity to play in the Archdiocese Honor Orchestra which Ms. Grimes has conducted in the past.
Queen of Angels
Smiling Strings has been at Queen of Angels for 5 years now. The program is small but successful, with several students also participating in the Northside Youth Symphony which Ms. Grimes directs. We are hoping to boost enrollment at Queen the next 2 years to build a performing ensemble and are in need of viola/cello players. Every year, several of the Smiling Strings Catholic schools get together for a joint orchestra concert. This is always a popular and fun event. Advanced students are also given the opportunity to play in the Archdiocese Honor Orchestra which Ms. Grimes has conducted in the past. Lessons are held usually once a week during school and once after school so as to minimize disruption to academic instruction.
Northside Catholic Academy
Smiling Strings has been at NCA for 4 years and a very young but strong group of musicians is emerging at this particular school. Last year we were able to form an orchestra and several students have participated in the Northside Youth Symphony (out of Northside College Prep HS) which Ms. Grimes also directs. Advanced students are also given the opportunity to play in the Archdiocese Honor Orchestra which Ms. Grimes has conducted in the past. Lessons are held right after school so as to minimize disruption to academic instruction.
St. Matthias/Transfiguration
This is one of Smiling Strings' newest schools, signing up students for the first time in 2005. We are hoping the second school year will broaden the interest in string education and there are lots of openings for beginners as well as the students who used to participate in the former string program which ended at the close of the 2004/05 school year! Building a performing orchestra at St. Matthias/Transfiguration is a top priority during the next two school years as well as getting more students involved in the Northside Youth Symphony which Ms. Grimes directs. Lessons are held twice a week during the school day.
Solomon School
Welcome to Smiling Strings' newest location! Plans are underway to recruit and re-start a string program at Solomon that was unfortunately dropped by the last music education provider. We are excited about providing quality string instruction to those former students as well as newcomers! Learn more about the program at Open House on Sept. 20th! Lessons will be provided after school on Mondays & Wednesdays.
Burley
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St. Benedict
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