The String Project is a quintessential model
of service-learning. It allows undergraduates to learn new skills,
to think critically, and to test their roles as professionals
in an environment that rewards competence. Since 1974, the String
Project has had a positive effect on the cultural climate of the
state of South Carolina. There are students and alumni in all
five districts in the Columbia area. Many orchestra teachers throughout
the state received their education program at the University and
the String Project.
The String Project allows our future graduates to refine their
teaching skills while still in school. It is more important than ever that our young
teachers feel competent as they enter the profession. Since 67%
of the nation's children are exposed to music instruction through
school programs, this is essential for not only the preservation
of our art, but for maintaining access for large numbers of students.
Access to music instruction can be divided along economic lines.
The philosophy of the University and of the String Project is
to maintain the affordability of our instruction to minimize this
division.
There are currently over 300 students and 27 teachers (undergraduate
string education majors), plus two graduate assistants. The program
is designed to improve the teaching of string instruments in both
classroom and private studio settings. The Nord Foundation awarded
the program a grant in 2003. In 2005, the String Project received
grants from Strings Magazine and the Junior League of Richland
County. Since its inception, the String Project has had the support
of each dean of the School of Music. Previous directors of the
String Project have been Dr. John Bauer and Dr. Robert Jesselson.
The Program
The String Project offers large group beginning classes, small
group second year classes, 3 orchestras and private lessons. All
private lessons are taught by undergraduate string education majors.
An important aspect of the program is that students are charged
affordable fees in order to make the program available to children
who might not otherwise have access.
String Project students typically follow this progression:
1st year (Silver Strings 1)
The beginning students in the String Project are third and fourth
graders from schools in the Columbia area. Students are selected
at the organizational meeting in late August. During their first
year, these students learn the basics of string playing in three
heterogeneous classes of 25 students each. There are generally two lead teachers and two assistants in each class.
2nd year (Silver Strings 2)
Students are grouped in small groups. In addition, 2nd year students participate in the
Silver Strings Orchestra and rehearse from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday
evenings.
3rd year through high school
Students begin private instruction and are divided into four curriculum
levels:
Concertino
In addition to private lessons, these students rehearse with their
orchestra from 6:00-7:30 on Thursday evenings.
Intermezzo
Students have 1 half-hour lesson per week and meet with their
orchestra from 4:30-6:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoons.
Sinfonia
Students receive private lessons at the String Project, but rehearse
with one of the junior orchestras sponsored by the South Carolina
Philharmonic Orchestra.
PERFORMANCES
Students in the String Project Orchestras have several
performing opportunities:
December:
Silver Strings 1 students give an 'informance.' They perform for
their parents and demonstrate the skills they have acquired to
that point.
Students in the Silver Strings, Concertino and Intermezzo Orchestras
perform at a community church or auditorium.
Students in the Silver Strings 2 curriculum and older perform
in masterclasses. These performances are designed to give students
a performance opportunity and immediate feedback.
April-Early May:
Students perform in studio recitals or in the Solo Recital.
Students in Silver Strings 1 and 2, Concertino, and Intermezzo
orchestras perform in an end of the year concert at the Koger
Center.
Report cards are issued twice a year to students in all levels.
Pre-Service Teacher Training
University students who teach in the String Project prepare recruiting
demonstrations for local schools, teach private lessons and group
classes, conduct student orchestras, and lead sectionals. All
activities are under the supervision of the director and graduate
assistants. By the time the undergraduate string education majors
graduate from USC, they will have had several years of experience
and are well prepared to begin their teaching careers.
Through their music education curriculum, they receive private
instruction on violin, viola, cello and bass from the applied
faculty at USC. Qualified persons may seek a performance certificate,
in addition to their Bachelor of Music Education degree. In addition
to String Project teaching experience, musical and pedagogical
training includes:
-Group lessons on secondary stringed instruments.
-A sequence of methods courses which may include a service-learning
component.
-Student teaching in area schools with highly developed orchestra
programs.
-Symphonic and chamber orchestra
-Chamber music
University students who are teaching in the USC String Project
receive stipends of between $600-$1600 per year. They are also
eligible for additional music and academic scholarships.
View USC School of Music scholarship audition information here
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