Strings and Strides

The Strings and Strides Mentorship Program is one of the traditions that makes the Hastings Orchestra community special. The program connects our newest orchestra students with experienced student musicians, creating meaningful relationships that encourage confidence, leadership, and a love of music.

Each fall, orchestra students in grades 8–12 have the opportunity to volunteer as mentors for our beginning fifth-grade musicians. During the month of November, mentors meet one-on-one with their assigned student for approximately 20-minute sessions to reinforce the skills being taught in class.

Mentors provide encouragement, answer questions, and help beginning students build a strong musical foundation by working on skills such as:

• Instrument setup and playing position

• Bow hold and beginning tone production

• Note reading and rhythm

• Weekly lesson assignments

• Practice strategies and good musical habits

• Building confidence and having fun making music

For our fifth-grade students, the program provides extra individualized support during an exciting and sometimes challenging time of learning a new instrument. Having an older orchestra student as a mentor helps make the transition into orchestra more enjoyable while fostering a sense of belonging within the program.

For our mentors, Strings and Strides is an opportunity to develop leadership, communication, patience, and teaching skills while giving back to the orchestra community. Students in grades 9–12 are also eligible to earn service learning hours for their participation.

The goal of Strings and Strides is simple: to build a connected orchestra family where experienced musicians inspire, encourage, and support the next generation of Hastings Orchestra students.