December 27, 2022 Submitted by Hingham Public Schools
The Hingham Public Schools Fine Arts Department is pleased to announce the introduction of the After School Strings Program operating under Kids in Action (KIA). This pilot program is open to Hingham Public Schools students in grades 3 and 4. The program will start on January 31st, 2023 and run for 15 weeks. Based on the pilot’s success, the Fine Arts Department will consider broadening the program to all four elementary schools next year.
The KIA After School Strings program is designed as an introductory class for grades 3 and 4 to expose students to instrumental enrichment and technique before the formal start of the Hingham Public Schools instrumental program during the school day in grade 5.
Students in After School Strings learn beginner instrumental technique with their selected string instrument of either the violin, viola, or cello. The program will teach students essential skills such as holding the instrument, reading sheet music, and playing beginner songs. The last class on May 23rd will be a group recital that parents and caregivers can attend.
The KIA After School Strings program will offer three different time options for classes, with each student opting for one time slot. The first class will meet from 3:15–4:00 PM, the second from 4:15– 5:00 PM, and the third from 5:15–6:00 PM. Each class will meet on Tuesdays. The first class will be Tuesday, January 31st, and the last class will be Tuesday, May 23rd. Families are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program.
KIA Strings will operate out of South Elementary School, and no instruction will occur during school vacation weeks or when school is not in session.
Families will be responsible for arranging their own instrument rental before the first lesson. Information will be shared during the registration process about a convenient local rental vendor option, Acoustic Strings of New England.
The program’s cost is $325 for 15 sessions and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with each class capped at ten students.
Registration for this program will open on Saturday, January 7th, at 9 AM and close on Saturday, January 21st. Registration will be through UniPay, link here: For more information on the KIA After School Strings Program, please visit: https://hinghamschools.org/programs/kids-in-action/kids-in-action-strings-program/