Parent Testimonials
"The Orchestra for middle school is a great program and a huge success. We see the real impact and value of music education in the kids and we would like to appreciate the music teachers for their dedication and sharing their knowledge with kids.The program allows the kids to:
1. Know the music for every part and being able to understand the music thoroughly.
2. Have consistency both in interpretation of a piece from rehearsal through concert i.e., "every little movement has a meaning all its own".
~Parent of Patton Student, Class of 2025
"Mrs. Stringham's orchestra program has a refreshing flavor. Her selections of music and compositions from different parts of the world are a delight to hear. Her dedicated efforts in raising the bar of performance by the students is truly commendable. My daughter loves being part of it!"
~Parent of Patton Student, Class of 2024
"So grateful for Mrs. Stringham's help introducing our musician to the cello. He is very excited to continue learning playing this instrument. He wanted to stop with orchestra at end of 7th grade, but this gave him a new interest. Thank you for fostering that."
~Parent of Patton Student, Class of 2025
Student Testimonials
"Are you looking for something new to try? If so, I highly recommend the Patton Orchestra. My orchestra experience this year has taught me so much valuable information that will help me through my musical years. The orchestra is a great opportunity for anyone experienced in music or not to learn how to read music, maintain a healthy posture, and make new connections. This opportunity has brought me so much inspiration and joy and I’ve been able to connect with new people. This is an experience that I fully recommend to anyone looking to try something new."
~Will, Patton Student (Class of 2026)
"I feel that lessons are fun, and playing together in rehearsal is even better because I can hear the full song with all of the instruments. I am enjoying orchestra a lot and hope to become a gold first violinist as soon as possible. I recently learned about new hand positions in violin and am excited to learn new things. The winter concert was fun and I enjoyed playing and hearing amazing pieces!"
~Nanak, Patton Student (Class of 2026)
"If you feel like trying something new, than the Patton orchestra is a great place to start. Multiple times a week, you will have lessons and rehearsals to build up your confidence and learn your concert pieces. Above all, Mrs. Stringham is just so understanding and she'll make sure that your time with the orchestra is worthwhile. Personally, I have made so many friends throughout my time with the Patton orchestra and it has just been a great experience. I'm sad to have to leave next year."
-Averi, Patton Student (Class of 2024)
"Rehearsals are fun, like they should be. We actually learn and progress in the Patton Orchestra. A concert is exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time. Having an orchestra at Patton means a lot to me because we are able to showcase what Mrs. Stringham has taught us."
-Elaina, Patton Student (Class of 2026)
"Patton Orchestra is a great and fun way to meet new people and make new friends. I know I was nervous when I first started middle school and was hesitant to branch out to others. In orchestra, I found kind and funny people that I could connect with and that really helped. Mrs. Stringham makes you feel very welcome and appreciated while also helping you learn new music and enjoy your time at lessons and rehearsals. Overall, orchestra is very fun and I would definitely recommend it even if you have never played an instrument before."
-Caleb, Patton Student (Class of 2025)
"Orchestra has been something I’ve devoted 5 years of my life to. It’s a place that almost feels like a second home to me. The people, the teacher, and the environment you get to be a part of are amazing. Unlike the other ensembles, you can participate in three concerts throughout the school year as well as a string extravaganza every three years which involves the entire strings community across the district. That includes all four elementary schools, the middle school, and the high school. We have fun at Halloween, winter, and spring concerts, all filled with decorating, advertising, and public speaking opportunities. With a rising stars, purple, and gold orchestra group, you can be put in your level where you can learn to play and improve your playing with other students on the same level as you. Once a week we have lessons with a small group of kids learning the same instrument who, in time, can become your best friends. During hawk time the same day, your entire orchestra level gathers to play their pieces. The best feeling in the world is when you know and are confident in the whole song and can sit down and play it with the whole orchestra in sync. One paragraph cannot describe how incredible orchestra is, but I hope that if you choose to join it, you can experience it for yourself."
-Rebecca, Patton Student (Class of 2024)
"Lessons and rehearsals in orchestra are always exciting, enjoyable, and educational. I love that orchestra has brought me close to people with the same interests as me and it has helped me grow as a responsible student. It is always something I look forward to. Concerts are a place for the orchestra to showcase its hard work throughout the year and it is a great milestone for us as a team. Orchestra is always special and I'm excited for next year!"
-Cate, Patton Student (Class of 2025)
"I started the orchestra about 3 months ago and I already love it. Everybody who does orchestra is so nice and I have made so many new friends. I thought starting an instrument would be a complicated process but Mrs.Stringham made it a very easy and fun process. I learned viola very quickly and it's mostly because of Mrs. Stringham. She is such an amazing teacher and I have improved so much in the 3 months that I started. I was very nervous for my first concert but when I got there, I felt so happy when I realized that it was such a fun experience. I was laughing and having a great time! Everybody played so well and I am so glad that I get to experience the orchestra community and I am so glad that I decided to play viola!"
-Katie, Patton Student (Class of 2025)
"Doing Orchestra is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. If you told me 5 years ago that I’d be able to play Bach or Mozart on the Viola, I wouldn’t believe you. This program has taught me how to read notes, play hard pieces, and express my feelings through music. Orchestra has really helped me bring out my true self and is a comfortable environment with a great teacher and people I want to be around every minute. I’ve made lifelong friends here, which I’m extremely grateful for and I have a really nice and supportive teacher who encourages me to try every lesson. Orchestra has made a big impact on my life that is just unexplainable. It’s fun and interactive and nothing’s better than knowing that you can be a part of something that can create something beautiful."
-Lasya, Patton Student (Class of 2024)