Anderson

I highly recommend your child join orchestra because it is an incredibly enriching experience for both the parents and children. Orchestra lessons will help kids develop a passion for music while they learn so much and have a lot of fun along the way. I have two children in orchestra at Anderson and they have learned so much in such a short time. They look forward to their lessons each week and they are challenged to learn new songs with fun incentives for completing those songs. Mrs. Mezera even makes sure that practicing doesn’t become a chore by offering all sorts of practice challenges throughout the year. Orchestra students also got to go on a field trip this year to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and it was a really great experience and was so fun for everyone. Renting an instrument is also such a breeze. The rental company takes care of everything and fixes anything on the instrument or upgrades to a bigger instrument as your child grows free of charge. And best of all, it all gets done during the school day and is facilitated by the orchestra teacher and parents don’t have do a thing! Overall, I highly recommend the orchestra program. It is so wonderful to see your children come home from school so excited about what they learned and then hear them play beautiful music.

• Ashley Guth 

I CANNOT say enough wonderful things about D303 orchestra! I've had 2 children begin in 3rd grade, one playing the violin and one playing the cello.  From the orchestra camps, to the wonderful concerts for friends and family, to the chance to practice something new and be proud of their accomplishments!  It has been such a joy to watch my children fall in love with the art of music even while keeping up with regular school work and outside sports.  The morning orchestra practices are really not that bad, they don't start right away at the beginning of the year and they end before the last month of school.  All of the orchestra instructors are so encouraging and it is a beautiful thing to now watch my middle schooler continue to play her instrument in the middle school orchestra!  If you are on the fence, take the plunge, you won't regret it! 

• Jen Weber

Joining orchestra has come with many added benefits for my daughter. She has become part of a team that still allows individuality. Her musical training has touched on many aspects such as developing language, cognitive skills, social skills, problem solving skills,  coordination, and creativity to name a few. She has some great friendship in orchestra. Renting an instrument is so easy and if there's a problem the rental place come to the school.  I love that she could join at a young age which is in 3rd grade and can continue into high school. Music has a healthy outlet for her after all music is a part of all of our lives, the universal language.

• Debbie Kosiek

When my daughter first said she wanted to play, I was extremely apprehensive, but I didn’t want to crush her spirit. So we signed up for the summer camp. And in just a few short sessions you could tell that she really enjoyed it! As time went on she would practice over Facebook Messenger with the kids in the neighborhood. She never fights practicing and wants to practice all the time without having to be reminded. The best part of Anderson orchestra is Mrs. Mezera! Watching her work with the kids during morning orchestra and the transformation to where they are now can give you goose bumps! Thank you Mrs. Mezera for all your musical knowledge  and transferring the love of music to the kids! 

• Vickie Nicewarner

I have a third year bassist in D303 Elementary Orchestra and I couldn’t say enough about our positive experiences in this program. There’s a big misconception that bass players have to lug around these large instruments. When in fact, bassists' are the only students that do not need to transport their instruments to and from school for lessons and rehearsals! The instructors are patient, encouraging and fun. Our student blossomed as a musician through this program. Not only has his love and passion for music grown, but being apart of orchestra has helped him improve life skills including responsibility, commitment and teamwork. 

• Kristie Domain