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
"I feel like I belong in lessons and rehearsals. Everyone is cordial and welcoming to people coming into the Patton orchestra. A concert is sometimes a little nerve-racking, but it's really exhilarating when you're on stage and you're preforming. I have made new friends in orchestra; it's easy to since you usually have to interact with people. My favorite part about having an orchestra at Patton is that you feel like you belong there, and even if you aren't being social, you still make memories."
~Ella P, Patton Student (Class of 2028)
"I love the Patton orchestra, lessons and rehersals are super fun we even get candy. Concerts are amazing playing my instrument is sometimes frustrating, but in concerts somehow it just plays nicely even though its not always like that in rehersals. My favorite part about having orchestra at Patton is the fun events we do and when we perform in front of our grade level at school. I love Patton Orchestra and you should too."
~Thaneesha, Patton Student (Class of 2028)
"Mrs. Stringham is really chill. She gives us good songs to play and we get lesson candy! Concerts are also really fun because she shows us memes before each song. I think I have made a bunch of friends through orchestra and I can't wait for another year!"
~Eleanor, Patton Student (Class of 2028)
"Playing an instrument , especially string instruments, is a fun thing to do during years at Patton. Lessons are fun and socializing and still get a lot of time put into instruments. Concerts are amazing! You get to perform for your parents and the teachers are helpful with guiding you, so don’t worry. I have made countless friends in orchestra and I don’t regret meeting anyone because everyone is supportive and nice. My favorite part of orchestra is when we have our concerts and also just the vibes of being with friends and amazing teachers."
~Adelina, Patton Student (Class of 2028)
"I always love the rehearsals and lessons, I always feel calm and in the right place. In lessons, we practice our pieces and we get candy at the end of our lesson. In rehearsals, we join all the instruments and parts together and we get to hear how amazing our music sounds altogether! Our concerts are always a lot of fun as well! During concerts we get to showcase all the amazing pieces we practiced and rehearsed!"
~Grace, Patton Student (Class of 2028)
"I really love doing orchestra because I have the best teacher ever and some of the people that do orchestra with me are some of my closet friends and Mrs. Stringham always has kind words to say and is always positive which makes me feel great and make my day! Orchestra is just a place that makes me feel special and I love it so much it’s like my whole world!! :) 🩷"
~Hadiya, Patton Student (Class of 2028)
"It has been such an honor to play for the Patton orchestra. I will miss the experience so much next year! I always looked forward to lessons, and it was always the highlight of my day. This orchestra really develops students musical talent and I believe that everyone who has been through this program can agree that they can see tremendous improvement in themselves as a musician after the experience. Thank you so much to this program for enhancing and brightening my middle school career!"
~Will, Patton Student (Class of 2026)
"I love lessons. Playing in strings is a delightful experience! You get to be with your friends and a new community of people that connect with you. A concert is so fun because not only are you playing but you get to watch other groups play as well."
~Ella M, Patton Student (Class of 2028)
"It was very fun, and I enjoyed every lesson. The concert was not very stressful, because Mrs Stringham doesn't rush us at all. I've made so many new friends, and my favorite part is probably getting candy every lesson."
~Caroline, Patton Student (Class of 2028)
"I really like lessons and how flexible Mrs. Stringham is when changing what period we can come instead of our scheduled one. The concert is really fun and exciting. I have made some new friends in orchestra. My favorite part of having a orchestra at Patton is that we learn how to play an instrument and get candy!!"
~Paige, Patton Student (Class of 2028)
"I love orchestra so much here at Patton because during the lessons Mrs. Stringham makes us feel welcomed and comfortable. I have lots of friends in the orchestra and made alot of new ones! I love the concerts because Mrs. Stringham makes it fun!"
~April, Patton Student (Class of 2028)
"The orchestra program at Patton is really fun and enriching. We learned lots of songs and techniques from Mrs. Stringham and we were able to socialize and make new friends throughout every grade level. This year I especially enjoyed the string extravaganza because we were able to play and create great music."
~Isaac, Patton Student (Class of 2027)
"Orchestra is honestly just a really great chance to "sneak" out of Hawk Time and spend time with your friends. Joining a music ensemble in general is fun, and you also sometimes get special chances for music ensemble-only parties or trips."
~Yelaine, Patton Student (Class of 2026)
"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."
~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. 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)