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This site provides instructional support and learn at home lessons for the East Penn SD Beginning Strings program. The strings program is for 4th & 5th grade students who have no prior playing experience on an orchestral string instrument. Students receive one year of lessons, learning the basic of playing an instrument. After completing a full year of lessons, students are eligible to participate in the orchestra.
Below are links to different learning lessons from throughout the school year. As the year progresses, more items will be available. Some lessons are posted as a review. Some lessons students will be asked to view prior to coming to lessons.
Student performances and pictures are shared with families using Seesaw. Families are encouraged to Seesaw Families to connect with Mr. Williams & Mrs. Cooke to see what children are doing in orchestra lessons. Family members are welcome to view and comment on student progress and ask questions of Mr. Williams and Mrs. Cooke through the learning process. Seesaw Family is available via the Web or by downloading the app to any of your devices. Follow these links to connect with your child on Seesaw: Web | iOS | Android | KindleFire | Chromebook
How to make a Seesaw video
How to make a Seesaw video
Watch as Mrs. Sarro demonstrates how to make a Seesaw video from the Seesaw Class app on your school issued iPad.
Kjos Interactive Practice Studio (IPS) available as either a download for your Mac or PC, or available as an app for your iOS or Android devices. This is a great support system play-along tracks as well as a complement of videos, music history and theory supplements, and supplemental music downloads. Follow these links to download this program: Mac or PC | iOS | Android
Monthly Units
Monthly Units
September
September
October
October
November
November
December
December
January
January
February / March
February / March
April/May
April/May
G-String Notes
About Mr. Williams
About Mr. Williams
Mr. Ryan Williams started playing violin in 3rd grade inspired to start playing by his relationship with his Grandfather, Howard Turnbull. Through the careful instruction of David Leithmann, Mr. Williams developed his playing and his passion for teaching. Under Mr. Leithmann's instruction, Mr. Williams started viola in 10th grade and quickly fell in love with the instrument.
Mr. Williams received his BS in Music Ed from Penn State University and MA in Ed from Arcadia University. He is the elementary orchestra and string teacher in East Penn School District, working with 4th & 5th grade students from the 7 elementary schools in the district. Mr. Williams began in East Penn in 2009 and started teaching in 2002. Previously he has taught in Souderton, PA and taught privately in Harleysville, PA, Ephrata, PA and State College, PA.
Outside of his main job, Mr. Williams maintains the Silver Strings Music Studio and is the founder and violist for the Silver Strings Ensemble. Mr. Williams has directed & taught the Got Strings? Youth Orchestra and at various music camps and festivals throughout the region. On Sundays he is the violinist & bassist for the East Swamp Church praise team. Mr. Williams also serves on the Pennsylvania Delaware String Teachers Association state board as chapter webmaster.
At home Mr. Williams enjoys spending time outside; biking, camping, hiking, and kayaking. He also is the fire police officer for Quakertown Fire Department and Trumbauersville Fire Company. Mr. Williams resides in Trumbauersville with his wife and their 3 children.
About Mrs. Cooke
About Mrs. Cooke
Mrs. Cooke started teaching in 1999, and came to East Penn SD in 2003. She began as a quiet clarinet player when she started 5th grade, but soon found she had a knack for other instruments as well. She started flute and saxophone in middle school, then trumpet, piano, and violin in high school. Mrs. Cooke earned a Bachelor's Degree at West Chester University and a Masters at Kutztown. She also holds an Administrative Certification from Penn State.
When she's not teaching, Mrs Cooke enjoys camping and gaming of all sorts. She also enjoys traveling to comic and game conventions. At home, she spends time with her husband, son, and 2 cats.
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