Elementary strings

Elementary Strings Shirt Order!

This year we have a tshirt to represent and support the strings program. These shirts are optional and available for students in the strings program as well as their families and friends! Students are being sent home with a paper order form the week of Nov. 2. If you would like to order a shirt, please send the order form and exact amount to school with your student no later than Friday, Nov. 14th.

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Overview

Welcome to Clayton Elementary Strings! Our classes are designed to help students build a strong musical foundation while having fun and making music together!

🎶 What We Do in 4th Grade Strings 🎶

Memorize songs from the Suzuki Method Book

Develop solid instrument and bow positions

Explore different bow motions and strokes

Practice rhythm and technique through engaging activities

Earn Music Bucks for effort, progress, and teamwork

Make music with friends in a supportive group setting

🎶 What We Do in 5th Grade Strings 🎶

Learn how to read music with confidence

Build strong ensemble skills, like:

Keeping a steady beat

Listening and adjusting intonation

Playing with refined instrument position

Blending your sound with friends

Playing different parts together as a team

Exploring new bowing and left hand techniques

Have fun learning new pieces along the way!

🎶 How we’ll grow together 🎶

We’ll use a passing system to celebrate progress

Songs will be learned step by step in class

You’ll have all the tools you need to practice at home and shine in rehearsal 🙂

🎤 Performances 🎤

Students will showcase their learning at three concerts each year, giving them the chance to celebrate their progress and share music with family and friends.

Preliminary Concert Dates:

SAVE THE DATE

🧣December 2nd, 2025 (CHS) -- 4th Grade ONLY
🎶 February 24th, 2026 (CHS) - 4th and 5th Grade Strings
🌟 May 19th, 2026 (CHS) - 4th and 5th Grade Strings

Meet the Teachers

Mariana Wood
marianawood@claytonschools.net

Hi everyone! I’m originally from São Paulo, Brazil, where I began playing violin as a teenager. Music quickly became a big part of my life — I performed with different orchestras and taught violin and other string instruments. In 2006, I moved to the U.S. to continue my studies under the Arianna String Quartet, earning my Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance with Suzuki Certification from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville.

I love music, reading about personal growth and inspirational people, and spending time with friends and family. One of my greatest joys is building relationships with my students and helping them grow both musically and as individuals. Outside of music, I enjoy hiking, traveling, listening to audiobooks, and being in nature. This is my eighth year in Clayton, and I’m truly looking forward to another year of learning and growing alongside our amazing students.

Emily Ebrecht
emilyebrecht@claytonschools.net

Hello! I am a St. Louis native and I started my musical journey on the violin. Shortly after learning the violin, I decided cello was my calling. Really it was just big, cool looking, and you got to sit down while playing! Little did 8 year old me know it would become a life long love of mine and open a world of opportunities to me.

I have had the good fortune and privilege to teach string playing to a wide age range of students. From a school settings here in Missouri, private lessons, coaching Columbia Youth Symphony's cello section, to teaching internationally in South Korea. My journey has been filled with a lot of learning, joy, and music. I enjoy getting to know my students and hopefully making as much as an impact on them, as they do on me. I am excited to join the Clayton team and get to know all of the wonderful students and families in the community this year!

Karen Person
karenperson@claytonschools.net

I’m so excited to introduce myself as the newest addition to the elementary strings staff! My name is Karen Person, and I am teaching 4th grade cello and bass students at Captain, Glenridge, and Meramec Schools.

I recently retired from the Rockwood School District, where I taught strings at all levels, with my primary assignment at Lafayette High School. These days, I stay very active in the orchestra community as a clinician, and I’ll also be conducting the 7th and 8th Grade All Suburban Orchestra in January 2026. This past year, I was honored to receive the 2025 Lifetime Hall of Fame Award from the St. Louis Suburban Music Teachers Association.

While I’ve had many wonderful experiences, my first love is still teaching cello, and I’m truly looking forward to a great year working with our 4th grade cello and bass students!

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